logo
Thousands of Scots get major 5G & 4G upgrade – find out if you're eligible

Thousands of Scots get major 5G & 4G upgrade – find out if you're eligible

Scottish Suna day ago
Scroll down to find out how it will affect you
STAY CONNECTED Thousands of Scots get major 5G & 4G upgrade – find out if you're eligible
THOUSANDS of Scots are set to get a major upgrade to their 4G and 5G coverage.
O2 is making huge improvements to its mobile network across Scotland.
1
O2 making huge improvements to its mobile network across Scotland
Credit: Alamy
Over the past year, the mobile giant has significantly bolstered network capacity in more than 13,000 Scottish postcodes, reaching into some of the UK's most secluded corners.
This effort is part of O2's £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan for this year, designed to future-proof its network and meet surging customer demand.
The plan also includes the rollout of small cells in dense urban areas, such as Perth, to increase capacity.
And it will address persistent connectivity headaches along major transport routes, at airports, motorways, railway lines and within stadiums and arenas.
The benefits extend far beyond city limits, reaching into popular tourist hubs.
Some 782 postcodes have seen upgrades in Edinburgh and there have been significant improvements to coverage across the Highlands.
There's also now more reliable connectivity in some unique tourist destinations in Scotland that previously had none at all.
These include Corrour Station, the UK's highest and most remote railway stop, Barra Airport, the only airport in the world with a scheduled beach runway and tidal timetable, Loch Ossian Eco Hostel and Glen Affric Hostel, reachable only by foot or bike.
It comes as new research commissioned by O2 found that 48% of Brits are planning a staycation in Scotland this summer.
And while many are eager for "off-grid" adventures, they still value reliable mobile connectivity for navigation, finding local amenities, entertainment and personal safety.
Android fans set to receive major upgrade to turbocharge Wi-Fi and 5G on their next phone
Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering, at O2 said: 'Scotland has always been one of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the UK but now it's better connected than ever before.
"Thanks to O2's Mobile Transformation Plan, whether they're hiking the Highlands, flying into Barra, or visiting a rural island, visitors can stay connected when and where it matters most.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lesser known island next to huge tourist hotspot with unspoiled beaches
Lesser known island next to huge tourist hotspot with unspoiled beaches

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Lesser known island next to huge tourist hotspot with unspoiled beaches

A lesser-known island off the coast of Cancun is the perfect place to do so. Isla Mujeres got its name from the large number of Mayan artifacts found at the location, honoring the goddess of fertility. Cancun in Mexico is known for its vibrant atmosphere, which attracts millions of tourists each year. Holidaymakers frequent the area to lap up the sun, sea, and margaritas. In recent years, more and more Brits have enjoyed the sights of the area despite the ten-hour plane ride from UK shores to get there. Understandably, this means that not all travellers want to spend their holiday partying but instead hope to stay horizontal in the sunshine for as long as possible. And a lesser-known island off the coast of Cancun is the perfect place to do so. Isla Mujeres got its name from the large number of Mayan artifacts found at the location, honoring the goddess of fertility. In the thousands of years since they were left there, the site has become an oasis for tourists with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. A ferry over to the island from the mainland costs around £11 each way, with multiple boat trips on offer, which include snorkeling for those hoping to see the likes of stingrays and turtles. During my trip to the island, I was told that snorkeling at El Meco Reef is only recommended for strong swimmers. This is due to the choppy water and the likelihood of participants having to cover around 500m during the swim. Needless to say, I opted to stay on the catamaran, which was taking us to the island, and leave the snorkeling in the capable hands of those brave enough to give it a go. Once it is safe to disembark the boat on Isla Mujeres, Amazonas Beach Club is instantly available with its extra-comfy sun loungers to relax on while staff wait on your every need. A special shout-out to waiter Carlos is deserved, as during my time there, a single minute did not go by without a drink in my hand. Lunch can also be enjoyed here, with a variety of Mexican dishes on offer, including nachos and tacos. American-style food is also available, with hot dogs and burgers. The carbs can then be walked off in a stroll around the old town, full of bustling shops and street vendors. Tequila tasting is on offer, with flavors such as tea and pistachio laid out for tourists to try. If, like me, tequila is not your thing, then watching the reactions of others giving each flavor a go is equally entertaining. I then opted to set up shop at a beach bar with a cold bottle of beer as we awaited the return journey to Cancun. As I opened my eyes from a rest on the boat, I was met with the sight of a turtle bobbing up at the surface of the water, which was a stunning reminder of the beautiful scenery I was in. Upon returning to solid land, holidaymakers can then enjoy the hustle and bustle of the party scene if they so wish, or simply enjoy quiet hospitality at one of the many resorts. For me, this was at the all-inclusive AVA Resort Cancun, which offered stunning restaurants and bars all within yards of my hotel room. A nightclub is also at the resort if you feel the need for a dance. If not, the hot tub baths on a number of balconies offer a relaxing alternative to welcome in the Mexican night. Book it Visit AVA Resort Cancun for rooms. Every upscale room at AVA overlooks the translucent crystal waters of the Caribbean.

Brits warned over £450 driving fine for anyone flashed 3 times by new AI cameras
Brits warned over £450 driving fine for anyone flashed 3 times by new AI cameras

Daily Mirror

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Brits warned over £450 driving fine for anyone flashed 3 times by new AI cameras

UK motorists that think they have gotten away with speeding could be in for a huge shock, as the government prepares to roll out artificial intelligence (AI) cameras that can log repeat offenders Brits risk being stung with hefty fines ranging from £150 to £450 if they're caught-out by sneaky new tech. From August 2025, drivers in the UK will be subject to a significant change in speeding enforcement as the Department for Transport introduces a new penalty system powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The overhaul is designed to improve road safety, reduce repeat offences and ensure that drivers receive consistent penalties — no matter where they are in Great Britain. ‌ The new system will use automated, AI-integrated speed cameras that can identify repeat offenders and store violation data across regional boundaries, meaning drivers will no longer be able to avoid harsher penalties by committing offences in different jurisdictions. The new technology tracks the entirety of a driver's recent history to determine penalties. ‌ Under the revised framework, the consequences for speeding will escalate according to the number of offences within set timeframes. A first infraction of the law results in a warning and the option to attend a speed awareness course. Similarly, a second offence within twelve months will incur a fine, starting at £150, and carries three penalty points. For a third infringement within eighteen months, drivers can be slapped with a fine of up to £450 and six penalty points, as well as a possible licence review or suspension. This progressive penalty model is intended to encourage responsible driving and penalise those who repeatedly ignore speed limits. The AI system ensures that enforcement is consistent across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — repeat offenders could previously escape harsher penalties by crossing regional lines. The AI cameras do more than just catch speeding vehicles too. They actually store driver identification data and violation history, use number plate recognition to track vehicles and issue penalties automatically based on behavioural patterns. ‌ These cameras work in real time across counties and cities, allowing enforcement agencies to link offences across jurisdictions. This centralized approach addresses shortcomings in the old system, which often failed to connect offences committed in different locations. The importance of these changes is underscored by road safety statistics from recent years, which show that almost a quarter of fatal accidents in the UK involve speeding. Police statistics show that more than half (56 per cent) of fatal collisions in 2023 had at least one speed-related factor. The changes coming in August 2025 represent a smarter, data-driven approach to road safety. For most drivers, this will mean safer roads and fairer enforcement. For repeat offenders, the cost of carelessness will be much higher, with fines reaching £450 and six penalty points, as well as the risk of having their driving licences suspended. As the system comes into force, the message is clear — slow down or pay the price.

Holiday chaos for Scots tourists as airport staff head towards summer strikes
Holiday chaos for Scots tourists as airport staff head towards summer strikes

Daily Record

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Holiday chaos for Scots tourists as airport staff head towards summer strikes

Around 450 employees at the airport are preparing to walk out amid unresolved disputes over pay and working conditions. Scots holidaymakers could be facing a summer of travel chaos as hundreds of airport workers head towards strike action. Travellers gearing up up for sunny getaways might be faced with disruption on major holiday routes at Glasgow Airport as industrial action poses threats to departure and arrival times. Around 450 employees at the airport are preparing to walk out amid unresolved disputes over pay and working conditions. ‌ Unite the Union, which represents the staff, say the firms involved are Glasgow Airport Ltd, ICTS Central Search, and Swissport. Among those preparing to down their tools within Glasgow Airport Ltd include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers. ‌ A further 250 ICTS central search workers - who provide airport security - remain in a live dispute over understaffing, working conditions and pay. These employees deal directly with passengers in the security search area and process them for flights. Unite members are currently being balloted on a pay offer on basic pay, shift allowances and overtime rates. Meanwhile, over 100 Swissport workers remain in rows with the firm over working rotas and work-life balance, plus health and safety concerns. Swissport is the country's largest ground handler. ‌ Its employees provide ground handling services to many major airlines, including ticketing and baggage handling. It comes as Glasgow Airport Limited made £40.65m in its latest recorded accounts while ICTS (UK) Limited made £4.4m. An overwhelming 98.7 per cent of Glasgow Airport Limited employees voted in favour of industrial action to secure a better pay offer. ‌ Around 100 workers employed by the company recently rejected a basic four per cent pay rise. Meanwhile, a consultative ballot on a new offer made by Swissport to address the outstanding issues has been put to the workforce. The ballot concludes on July 14. ‌ If this offer is rejected, Unite will move to open a full industrial action ballot. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ' Employers at Glasgow Airport will not get away with underpaying or mistreating Unite's members. Hundreds of workers are involved in disputes at the airport. ‌ " Summer strike action which would ground planes and passengers remains on the cards. "These highly profitable companies can easily afford to put the minds of the travelling public at rest by making fair offers to workers.' Elsewhere, a dispute involving 300 ground service workers employed by Menzies Aviation has been resolved. ‌ Unite successfully negotiated a deal which establishes a four per cent minimum increase for new starters, and up to 10 per cent for workers depending on grades. The Menzies employees include dispatchers, allocators, airside agents and controllers. ‌ A total of 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport have also accepted a basic wage increase of 4.5 per cent following successful negotiations, bringing this dispute to an end. Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: 'Strike action has moved a step closer after our Glasgow Airport Limited members emphatically backed industrial action. "We believe the airport's new management is attempting to put us on a collision course which would bring out hundreds of workers on strike during the peak summer holiday season.""Meanwhile, Unite has successfully delivered significant pay deals for our members at Menzies Aviation and Falck. ‌ "These deals build on the recent successes made with other companies at the airport. It clearly demonstrates that pay disputes can be resolved through negotiation and without the need for industrial action if companies are willing to work with Unite.' A spokesperson for Swissport said: 'Our priority is the safety and wellbeing and fair treatment of our workforce, alongside maintaining high standards of service for our customers and we remain committed to working constructively with Unite to find a fair and sustainable resolution.' A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: 'We are reviewing the ballot results and remain open to finding a sensible resolution.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store