Mobile phone operators should allow mast sharing to help boost signal coverage in rural areas, the Western Isles MP has highlighted in Westminster.
Sharing existing structures would reduce the need for mobile network operators to build new masts.
Angus MacNeil told the Rural Phone and Broadband Connectivity debate: “Connectivity is a social necessity and a business requirement.
“Young people definitely expect it in rural areas. If we want to keep young people in those areas, we should ensure that they have proper coverage.”
He added: “People, including pensioners, need the links to make contact with the outside world.”
Mr Macneil also raised poor internet links in the islands.
He said if 95% was the UK target for superfast broadband, “then surely 100% of us should get normal broadband. If superfast broadband has speeds of up to 30 megabits or more, surely others can reach 2, 4, 6 or 8 megabits.”
He pointed out the Isle of Man and the Faroe Islands, which control their own mobile and broadband communications, have much superior rural connections.
The MP welcomed the Scottish Government’s programme is delivering fibre broadband infrastructure in areas where the market would not otherwise go.
Edward Vaizey, UK Minister for the Digital Economy, said: “We do not want to leave the last 5% behind; by definition they are the most difficult and most expensive to reach, but we will get there.”
Good digital communication links are a “social necessity”
7 February 2015