EE has partnered with the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team to bolster communication capabilities on Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. This initiative involves using a 35-meter tower in Glen Nevis. The collaboration aims to improve safety in the area, a favorite spot for numerous outdoor enthusiasts yearly, with an eye toward enhancing emergency response operations.
The site has been providing 4G services for EE users and essential 999 emergency services. Included in the UK Home Office’s Emergency Services Network (ESN), this infrastructure is crucial for emergency communications in this challenging terrain. Its strategic position helps address coverage shortcomings, particularly in areas where natural obstacles previously hindered signal reach.
With the addition of a single antenna and cable, the network now covers more ground. This development significantly improves communication for rescue operations. In the brief period following the installation, the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responded to 17 emergency callouts. Remarkably, two were in regions previously without any coverage, and nine benefited from enhanced connectivity on Ben Nevis.
Ian Pooleman, LMRT’s Secretary and Medical Officer, highlighted the importance of communication in rescue missions. The team, which typically uses VHF radios, often faced difficulties. “The opportunity to locate a ‘repeater’ on this tower, with the support of BT Group, will make our operations safer and more efficient,” he said.
This project also underlines BT Group’s broader strategy of diversifying its portfolio and extending connectivity to meet the UK’s digital needs. David McKean, BT Tower Division Director, remarked, “This is a simple yet effective example of how we can diversify the use of our portfolio… to support the UK’s broader digital needs and connect more people for good.”
