For most remote solar and battery storage sites, the best option is a 4G or 5G router with an external antenna on whichever network is strongest at that exact location. Where mobile coverage is too weak, low-orbit satellite works almost anywhere. Long-term sites can add a fixed line, with the mobile or satellite link kept as automatic backup. Always check coverage at the site before committing.
Why remote sites are hard to connect
Solar farms and battery storage sites are chosen for land and grid access. The nearest fixed line can be miles away, and mobile coverage in rural Scotland varies widely by network. 4G from all mobile operators covers 67% of Scotland's landmass, the lowest of any UK nation (Ofcom, July 2025 data). Coverage figures are often quoted for homes and businesses, but a site in the middle of a field can be very different, so national maps are only a starting point.
Which connection should you choose?
| Connection | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 4G / 5G router | Construction phase, short projects, backup | Can be live in days. An external antenna and the right network make a large difference |
| Low-orbit satellite | Sites with little or no mobile signal | Low-orbit services such as Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb (Indigo supplies both, whichever suits the site) work almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky. Fast enough for cloud apps and video calls in most cases |
| Fixed broadband (FTTP or SoGEA) | Permanent site buildings near the network | Low monthly cost, but availability at rural sites is limited |
| Leased line | Offices and large permanent sites | Dedicated bandwidth and a guaranteed fix time. Installation typically takes 30 to 90 working days |
| Failover | Anywhere downtime is unacceptable | Two different connection types, such as 5G and satellite, so one takes over automatically when the other fails |
What does the site actually need the connection for?
Be clear about what the connection is for. During construction, site cabins need drawings, permits, Teams calls, cameras and access to company systems. Once a site is operational, the maintenance team may need a business connection too.
Grid, inverter and battery monitoring links are different. They're usually specified by the equipment provider or grid operator and should stay separate from your business connection. See Chapter 3.
Don't forget the copper switch-off
The UK's copper phone network is being switched off by 31 January 2027. Any office or site still relying on an analogue line, including for alarms, lift lines or older monitoring equipment, needs a plan now.
A site connectivity checklist
- Has coverage been checked at the exact location, on all three networks?
- Is there a backup connection, and does it take over automatically?
- Is site WiFi separate for staff and contractors?
- Can engineers reach company systems securely from the site?
- Is the connection monitored, and who chases the fault?
- What happens to the equipment when construction finishes?
Frequently asked questions
Is satellite internet reliable enough for a solar or battery site?
Modern low-orbit satellite services are fast enough for cloud apps, video calls and cameras at most Scottish sites, and they work where there's no mobile signal. Heavy weather and obstructions can affect them, so for sites that can't be left offline, pair satellite with 4G or 5G to give two independent connections.
How long does it take to connect a new site?
A 4G or 5G router can usually be live within a few working days once coverage is confirmed. A leased line typically takes 30 to 90 working days, so order it as soon as a long-term site is confirmed and use mobile or satellite in the meantime.
How Indigo does this. Indigo Unified Communications checks EE, O2 and Vodafone coverage at the exact site, and our 4G/5G site connections are usually live within 2–3 working days. We offer satellite for remote sites, fixed lines and leased lines (5-hour fix on fibre Ethernet), and automatic failover between two connection types. Our Glasgow engineers monitor every connection we manage and chase the faults for you. See remote site connectivity for renewables and business connectivity.
Sources: Ofcom, Connected Nations 2025: Scotland report, 19 November 2025, https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-and-speeds/nations-report-2025 · Openreach, Time for a big switch-up as PSTN switch-off looms, 5 February 2026, https://www.openreach.com/news/time-for-a-big-switch-up-as-pstn-switch-off-looms/
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