Scotland's largest mobile network survey comes to East Ren, thanks to the help of bin lorries

Published: 6 March 2025

A survey aimed at improving mobile phone coverage is currently underway in East Renfrewshire and across council areas within Glasgow City Region.

Bin lorries are being used in the study by hosting equipment which will gather data about the signal strength from the UK's four mobile operators - EE, Vodafone, Three and O2/Virgin Media - street by street while people's bins are being emptied. 

Devices have been installed on East Renfrewshire bin lorries - joining areas such as Inverclyde North Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire which will take part in the project in the coming months.

Councillor Owen O'Donnell, Leader of East Renfrewshire Council and Vice Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: "We're pleased to take part in this important survey which will help understand the current level of mobile phone connectivity in East Renfrewshire and across the Glasgow City Region.

"Technology is constantly evolving and being connected has never been more important. By taking part in this important initiative we can help empower residents and businesses to make more informed choices on connectivity solutions to ensure they are getting the best possible service. We know there are a few areas where coverage is currently lacking in East Renfrewshire, particularly in Newton Mearns. This survey will help provide the data needed to lobby mobile operators for necessary improvements."

The work is part of the Glasgow City Region Smart and Connected Social Places programme. It is funded through the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology 5G Innovation Regions programme and is being delivered by connectivity solutions providers Streetwave and Commsworld.

For more information and updates on the rollout of the coverage checker in each of the participating councils, visit https://glasgowcityregion.co.uk/mobilephonecoverage/