The Scottish government has launched a £25m programme to address 4G mobile network “not-spots” in Scotland, with 16 sites around the country – but mostly in the Highlands – identified to receive funding for new mobile masts and towers in areas where no coverage yet exists.

The Scottish 4G Infill Programme comes about after an extensive consultation process and was developed by the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT). It aims to improve mobile connectivity for local residents and businesses, and it is hoped the scheme will eventually be rolled out to between 60 and 70 further locations.

The programme was launched at the spring Convention of the Highlands and Islands (CoHI), a biannual series of meetings run by Holyrood that seeks to strengthen alignment between the Scottish government and member organisations to develop sustainable economic growth.

“Widespread high-speed and reliable mobile coverage is just as vital as broadband, and ensures that people, communities and businesses are able to stay connected,” said Scottish government secretary of rural affairs and connectivity, Fergus Ewing.

“Improving mobile coverage across Scotland is key to achieving our ambition to become fully digitally connected. Our innovative Mobile Action Plan outlines how we are working with industry and other partners to improve coverage.

“The Infill programme will target the areas where it can make the most difference, achieving better and cost-effective connectivity in some of our most remote and challenging areas,” said Ewing.

SFT chief executive Peter Reekie added: “Over the past three years, SFT has been working closely with industry to create a collaborative platform for the development of a publicly funded intervention to extend 4G coverage into the more remote rural areas of Scotland.

“This has enabled SFT to take into consideration their feedback, build on the experience gained from our pilot projects and incorporate the lessons learnt from similar programmes.

“After the successful bidder has been selected, SFT looks forward to working with them and the mobile network operators to identify as many 4G not-spots that can be addressed within the programme’s budget. The deployment of future-proofed mast infrastructure will then act as the catalyst to deliver good quality 4G coverage to those areas for the benefit of the local communities, businesses and tourists.”