WEB users in the remote Yarrow Valley will soon be brought up to speed after work began this week on a new 4G mast.

Digital communications company, O2, is about to begin installing the latest technology at Broadmeadows.

And the improved 4G will also lead to better phone coverage through the O2 TU Go app.

The move comes after years of campaigning by frustrated residents.

The mobile phone firm is bringing its latest 4G service to parts of the scenic valley as well as improving the 2G and 3G network that already exist in other parts.

O2's chief operating officer Derek McManus told the Border Telegraph: “I’m delighted that O2 customers in Broadmeadows will soon be able to experience faster mobile internet making everything easier when using their phone or tablet.

“They’ll be able to stream high definition TV, shop on the go and use video calling.

“For our business customers, using 4G means they can be more effective and flexible by working remotely, accessing cloud services and collaborating using apps.”

For almost a decade campaigners have called for better internet and mobile phone services in both the Yarrow and Ettrick valleys.

A report published in March 2013 highlighted that connections and reception were a major issue in the valleys and hampered residents from expanding their businesses and being able to fully access services.

A spokesperson for the community council at the time said: "The community wants better internet speed and a larger access to phone signal throughout the valley.

“At the moment it takes forever to do a simple task like online shopping and in some parts it is impossible to receive phone calls and texts.”

O2 currently offers 4G in over 11,000 towns and cities across the UK and spends over £2 million a day on strengthening its network and increasing its reach.

Work at Broadmeadows is scheduled to start next Monday (June 19).

Subject to successful implementation and testing, customers will see the new and improved service in the following weeks.

But during the work, there may be times when a customer’s signal experiences intermittent service.

Customers can download the O2 TU Go app which enables them to make and receive calls on any Wi-Fi connected device using their mobile number.

The announcement from O2 has been welcomed by the local authority.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased to hear that O2 is making an investment in 4G mobile phone coverage for the Yarrow Valley.

“This should make a considerable difference to the lives of people in this rural location.

“Scottish Borders Council is continuing to work with mobile phone companies, and the Scottish and UK governments, to advocate improvements to mobile phone coverage across the Scottish Borders.”