At FarrPoint, we are conducting an independent study to better understand how / if the new mobile connectivity mast in Polbain has impacted the lives of the local community. Fill in the survey with your honest opinion for a chance to win one of two £50 vouchers to spend at local shops*. Survey closing date 5 May 2023.
(this will open in a new window)Follow this link to complete the survey
Good mobile coverage is now considered as essential to enable people to connect wherever they are. Good quality connectivity is often assumed, and many commercial and public services are delivered without fully considering the impact on communities and individuals for whom good quality connectivity is as yet unavailable.
In the mobile communications sector coverage is driven by mobile operators who build and operate masts and radio sites. In rural and remote areas demand is often considered to be insufficient to warrant the investment needed. As a consequence of this, and in recognition of the importance of connectivity to rural areas and communities, the Scottish Government has committed to fund the build of new masts on which mobile operators will then be able to operate.
The mast site at Polbain is part of the Scottish Government’s 4G infill programme. This mast went live in November 2021 and should have improved 4G services to the community of Achiltibuie. 4G is a mobile technology better suited to internet access than the prior 2G and 3G services that had a more calls and messaging capability. Our study will look at the benefits of this site by recording the quality of connectivity before (the survey in early 2021) and after (this survey) the site goes live and the impact it has on the local community.
FarrPoint will also assess the impact the new mast site will have on Carbon Emissions. Scotland has a net-zero date of 2045 and public projects need to consider how their investment contributes to this net-zero position. Building the mast site at Polbain will have an emissions cost that can be calculated. FarrPoint will be looking at how those costs are offset by the impacts resulting from improved connectivity.
Our report will anonymise all results, but we do ask that you leave contact details if you would be happy to participate in any follow up calls.
Personal data collected as a result of this study will be handled and stored in accordance with current General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Darren Kilburn at [email protected]
On the 5th of May 2023, we will randomly pick two winners of all people who submitted the survey. Winners will be contacted individually.
There are 2 x £50 vouchers to be won to spend at local shops around Achiltibuie.
Connectivity is important. It drives business and society, bringing communities and commerce together. That's why we use our insight and experience to connect people and business.