SNP urge trials of 4G mobile technology in far north

The councillors have asked that the far north 'leapfrog' more widely available technology

The far north of Scotland should be used to trial a new super fast broadband network for mobile phones, Highland Council's SNP group has said.

The councillors said the area should "leapfrog" more widely available technology and test fourth generation mobile technology, also known as 4G.

They have urged the Caithness and Sutherland Regeneration Partnership to invest in 4G.

The partnership encourages economic development in the far north.

It is backed by public organisations such as the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which is involved with the Dounreay nuclear plant near Thurso, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Councillor Drew Hendry said: "It is vital that we don't fall into the trap of only looking at what is currently on the shelf, and avoid only buying into technology with a limited lifespan."

He said the partnership had said that opportunities offered by 4G would be investigated in its future discussions with HIE.