Wi-Fi coverage in Lewis & Harris

[Dylan]

Any recommendations about mobile WiFi coverage in the Outer Hebrides?

 

[dspuk]

We were “OK” with EE in the Orkneys.

Google says they the most favoured in The Hebrides.

So I’d go with EE.

 

[Dylan]

Thank you, this is very helpful.

 

[sticky1]

I used to spend about a month a year in the Outer Hebrides.
It was always tricky for radio transmission and patchy for mobile coverage let alone wi-fi, I know that they have installed masts on some of the islands but I suspect you will have to grab reception when you can.
If you need WiFi I don’t know if there is a rental service for Starlink for your trip (you may choose not to enrich EM of course).
This is definitely a trip that I need to organise too.
Leave plenty of time for the ferry.

 

[AdamsFamily]

By WiFi coverage you mean 4G/5G data right?
If you can get hold off any postcodes where you are going, you could stick that into the different networks coverage pages and that'll give you an idea of what you can get on each network then get a PAYG E sim or normal sim.

as @sticky1 says, without wanting to give anything to EM you could look at Starlink - they don't do rental but they do a 30 day free refundable trial

 

[mattpartridge]

We toured from Barra to Stornaway last summer and had good mobile data with EE

Any recommendations about mobile WiFi coverage in the Outer Hebrides?

 

[sticky1]

We toured from Barra to Stornaway last summer and had good mobile data with EE

That’s good to know, they do claim to have the best network, we employ a couple of reps who worked in the telecoms industry that tell me EE is best for network as they are BT and an engineering company - but the downside is their customer service and pricing is as competitive as other options.
Given that most mobile companies claim to be able to jump on other provider’s networks I never understand why this can be an issue.

 

[Resfeber]

Any recommendations about mobile WiFi coverage in the Outer Hebrides?

O2 was fine for us across most of Harris and Lewis this May with 4g and reasonable data speeds (enough for streaming you tube, what’s app video and fire stick for tv)

 

[Kayleigh]

That’s good to know, they do claim to have the best network, we employ a couple of reps who worked in the telecoms industry that tell me EE is best for network as they are BT and an engineering company - but the downside is their customer service and pricing is as competitive as other options.
Given that most mobile companies claim to be able to jump on other provider’s networks I never understand why this can be an issue.

I used a prepaid EE data sim from Scancom on Amazon. No issues over the past few years and it’s full speed. You can keep it in a router in the van permanently connected if you wish. Currently works out about £14 per month but you have to pay for at least a year in advance.

 

[Hebridean]

I live on Lewis and I'm happy with the O2 service. My daughter is with EE and it's also similarly good

 

[Anthony1]

I used to spend about a month a year in the Outer Hebrides.
It was always tricky for radio transmission and patchy for mobile coverage let alone wi-fi, I know that they have installed masts on some of the islands but I suspect you will have to grab reception when you can.
If you need WiFi I don’t know if there is a rental service for Starlink for your trip (you may choose not to enrich EM of course).
This is definitely a trip that I need to organise too.
Leave plenty of time for the ferry.

And take some cash - lots of card machines don't work, lack of internet.