Blueprint Case Study | Mobile Coverage Blackspot – Malinbeg, Co. Donegal
Mobile Coverage Blackspot – Malinbeg, Co. Donegal
Funded by DRCD Digital Innovation Programme (2018)
Funding awarded: €35,000
Maturity: Pilot
Timeframe: 2021
Contact details:
Niamh Kennedy
E: niamhkennedy@donegalcoco.ie
P: 087 206 2336
Who: Vodafone and Donegal County Council
Telecoms operator Vodafone and Donegal County Council collaborated on a publicly-owned property project to support the development of mobile phone infrastructure. The project aims to address discrepancies in cellular coverage, and minimise mobile blackspots, in rural Donegal.
Objectives to:
- Improve cellular range, and minimise blackspots
- Secure performant digital infrastructure necessary for digital community transition
- Add positively to rural society and economy via digital connectivity
What: The project was initiated as part of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. The taskforce was set up to develop mobile phone coverage of benefit to the local community and enterprise. Partnering with telecoms operator Vodafone, Malinbeg was connected to the mobile broadband network via a new mast.
Why: Modernisation means that mobile phone coverage is required to access basic and essential local services, including emergency services. Performant and sustainable mobile coverage will also boost the area’s future economic potential. Lack of coverage was labelled a key hindrance to the quality of life in this part of Donegal. Uptake has the potential to grow and strengthen community support networks, well-being, and inclusion.
Scale: Throughout the Malinbeg area
Technologies: Mobile phone infrastructure, broadband
Impact and Lessons Learned: Due to its unique multi-stakeholder collaboration, the initiative was the first of its kind. Teamed up with the local community, a local councillor, local authority and a government department, a working partnership with a telecoms operator was secured. Giving all relevant stakeholders equal share of voice was critical to the project’s successful and expedited implementation.
UN Sustainable Development Goals:
