Streetwave to Conduct County-Wide Mobile Coverage Study of Argyll and Bute

The Argyll and Bute Council (ABC) in Scotland has joined forces with network analyst firm Streetwave and the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) to conduct the “first county-wide mobile coverage survey” in Scotland, which will mirror similar studies that are already being conducted across other parts of the UK.

Just to recap. Streetwave have been harnessing waste (bin / refuse) collection lorries to map mobile network / broadband coverage and speeds in various parts of the UK, particularly Wales (here, here, here, here and here). In this setup, refuse trucks are installed with four off-the-shelf Smartphones using software from Streetwave on top, which run continuous network tests (once every 20 metres in rural areas and 5m in urban areas) as the vehicles go about their routes.

However, as well as providing a general performance map, the data can also be used to see how mobile broadband performance changes over time in specific areas and generally provides a more accurate report than the operators themselves are usually able to produce.

This latest initiative will thus gather detailed data on mobile network performance across the region’s diverse landscapes, from the mainland to over 20 islands. In total, mobile coverage data will be surveyed across more than 2,500 kilometres of road network within Argyll and Bute. Volunteers will also use portable data collection units to help measure connectivity in more remote areas, where bin lorries are unable to venture.

Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess said:

“This is a ground-breaking initiative that will be of huge benefit to our communities. A reliable mobile phone signal is vital, especially in some of our more remote locations. By gathering precise data on mobile network performance, we can better address digital exclusion and push for essential coverage improvements, ensuring connectivity for all our residents and businesses, no matter their location.”

The results of this study, which will also be made available to residents and businesses. All of this should help the local authority and mobile network operators to identify locations that may be in need of further intervention to improve local 4G and 5G coverage.