Best Cell Coverage in Scotland?

I can't speak to the quality of signal for email and net, but when I was all over Scotland in 09 (including highlands, skye and orkney) I stopped in a local mobile phone shop and asked who they would suggest for best combination of cost and coverage and they set me up with a SIM from Lebara (which uses the Vodafone network). I was generally pleased with the coverage for voice (I did not use anything other than that). Some of the more remote areas in the highlands will not likely have the best (any?) coverage, but in many of the towns you will have a signal.

It looks like O2 and Vodafone use both the 900 and 1800 radio frequencies, which probably accounts for better coverage in more places. I'd check the web pages for the four big carriers (Orange & T-Mobile are the other two) and see what prepaid data plans they offer. That may help with your decision.

All the major uk companies cover urban Scotland ok. Away from cities you'll not get a signal. All companies previously mentioned are fine.

To clarify: orange, t-mobile, O2, Vodaphone.

Yep, I heard back from Scottish friend that you should be fine with either. Pam

j.c, In reading your Post, I noticed one point of concern. You mentioned "email, and the net". Are you planning to travel with a Smartphone, such as an iPhone or Blackberry? If so, the coverage will NOT be your major problem. You need to be EXTREMELY careful with data roaming, as it's possible to accrue HUGE charges! One user in this area recently learned that the "hard way", as she returned home after a 2.5 week trip to find a $37,000 bill waiting in her mail. The coverage won't vary between local calls, E-mail or Text (voice and text use the same part of the network - data typically uses a different frequency). I'll also be in Scotland soon, so will be interested to find out what kind of coverage there is in the Highlands. Happy travels!

Sigh, I am so jealous Ken. My new job is keeping me at home. Although, with current financial issues, I am grateful to have the new job. But sip a whisky or two for me. ; ) Pam

Ken, et al... No roaming on an American carrier for me. I've unlocked my phone and will buy a SIM crd and a pay-as-you-go plan when I arrive. It would be nice to have cheap net access so I don't have to rely on wifi. Primary concern is voice and the ability to phone ahead to make reservations for the night.

j.c., for cheap net access, a prepaid local SIM is the way to go. If you didn't see it, here is my post about my recent use of data in my trip this summer: For overseas DATA use, local prepaid is best solution

Pamela, I'm not a big fan of Scotch, but will try and have a sip of whiskey for you. I tried 16-year Bushmill's single malt when I was in Ireland, so will of course have to sample the Scottish equivalent. I live in a wine producing region, so that's my main "beverage" these days, although I do enjoy a pint of Guinness at times. Cheers!

Ken, try one of highland malts rather than a west coast malt. Cragganmore or the Macallan would be good choices for someone who's not had a lot of Scotch. And they call it whisky. ; ) You could also try a pint of McEwans. Pam

Right, Paul. I intend to buy a local prepaid sim card. Just wondering who to buy it from.

It looks like a prepaid sim card is the way to go. Can I purchase one at the Glasgow airport?