Vodafone is the latest mobile company to pledge 4G for the islands within the next two years.
Mobile signals can be improved by tapping into network of high speed fibre broadband cables being rolled out across the islands.
Previous estimates suggest an achievable 74% coverage for both indoor mobile phone calls and data in the Western Isles in 2017 compared to the respective 2012 figures of 21% and 15%.
Telecoms firm 02 plans to build around 13 new mobile phone masts on top of upgrading a further 16 existing installations by the end of 2017.
Mobile operators EE previously said it would swap the old 2G kit with with new hardware and adding 4G in areas where 2G is currently.
Vodafone now pledges to improve their signal. As the new superfast fibre broadband cabling spreads out to island communities, the firm plans to upgrade and link in their mobile masts.
Mobile phone signal improvements planned
23 November 2015
The telecom company is preparing for the upgrades by seeking planning permission and negotiate rental deals with landlords to access the land for mast sites.
MP Mr MacNeil said he would continue to maintain pressure on the UK Government and highlight the need for 4G coverage in the Western Isles.
Mr MacNeil said: “Having recently met with Vodafone I am encouraged to hear that
our islands will benefit from 4G as part of Vodafone’s multi-
“I will be writing to BT too to work with Vodafone to ensure both work hand in hand so that the fibre framework is in place to support broadband.”