UK mobile operator EE has deployed its mobile coverage to an existing mast site, located at the base of Ben Nevis, Scotland.

The carrier said that it has paired with Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team (LMRT) to connect the 35-meter-high mast site at the Scottish mountain.

Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the British Isles, with a summit of 1,345 meters.

According to EE, the purpose of the deployment is to aid search and rescue operations in the area.

The mast is also part of the UK Home Office’s Emergency Services Network – a critical 4G communications system for dedicated use by Britain’s Emergency Services and other authorized first responders, noted EE.

EE, along with the LMRT, have deployed a single antenna and cable to the tower structure.

Since the installation of EE's network to the site less than two months ago, the LMRT said it has responded to 17 callouts. EE noted that two of the callouts came from areas that previously had no coverage.

“Communications play a vital role in all of our rescue operations. We primarily use VHF radios to communicate with our base and other team members on the hill. We have had communication challenges in Glen Nevis and some aspects of Ben Nevis for many years, and the opportunity to locate a ‘repeater’ on this tower, with the support of BT Group, will make our operations safer and more efficient," said Ian Pooleman, secretary and medical officer, LMRT.

David McKean, BT Group’s tower division director, added: “This is a simple yet effective example of how we can diversify the use of our portfolio of physical assets, many of which are in remote locations, to support the UK’s broader digital needs and connect more people for good, both now and into the future.”