This will be printed out and put in the shops. We are putting it here to be printed out and given to people who have no signal.
1. Why this is happening
- The underwater fibre cable to Tiree is broken.
- This cable gives broadband and mobile data (EE, Vodafone, O2) to most homes and businesses.
- Until it’s fixed, some people will not have a normal internet connection.
2. If you have home broadband (BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, etc.)
- Your service comes through the same fibre cable, so it may not work.
- You should tell your provider (ISP) that your internet is down.
- They can log a fault and sometimes send a temporary 4G device (dongle or mini-hub).
- This plugs into your computer or phone and uses mobile data instead of fibre.
- Not every company has good 4G coverage in Tiree, so it may or may not work indoors.
How to report it:
- Call your broadband company using a landline or mobile (if you have signal).
- If you can’t reach them, ask a friend or neighbour to report it for you.
3. Your rights
- If your broadband isn’t working, you are entitled to compensation under Ofcom’s “Automatic Compensation Scheme”.
- The scheme says that if service stops and isn’t fixed within 2 full working days, you get around £9 per day off your bill until you have a working connection again. That working connection might be through a dongle they send you.
- This applies to most big providers: BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, EE, Virgin Media, and others.
- Even if the problem is a wider network issue, you should still register the fault so you’re counted.
4. Can I get a 4G dongle?
- Most providers can post a 4G mini-hub or dongle that connects to mobile networks (EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three).
- In Tiree, EE has the best current signal, but it only works well outside.
- It would be to replace your broken connection – as part of your existing package.
- Vodafone and O2 are still offline at the moment.
- A dongle might work if you can place it near a window or outside wall where you get a signal.
- If you have no mobile signal at all, a dongle will not help – it still needs a network to connect to.
5. Can I buy a new SIM or eSIM to get data?
Yes – this can work for many people.
- EE is the only network currently working reliably in Tiree.
- You can buy an EE SIM card from:
- The EE website (if you can access it elsewhere)
- Some mainland supermarkets and phone shops (friends or family could post one)
- Online retailers such as Amazon or Argos
- Choose a pre-paid (Pay-As-You-Go) SIM or a short contract with data.
- If your phone takes an eSIM, you can buy and activate one digitally – this can be set up over Wi-Fi if you have access at a public hotspot.
- You can then use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for a laptop or tablet – but note that this uses your mobile data allowance.
Important:
Some older phones do not support eSIM – check your phone’s settings or model details.
EE signal works best outside or near a window.
If you are indoors, or your walls are thick, it may not connect.
6. Can I use someone else’s connection?
- An Talla has a temporary Wi-Fi from BT’s Starlink.
- There is also a Wi-Fi hotspot outside the Exchange in Scarinish
- You are welcome to use these if you need to check emails, top up SIM cards, or contact family.
- Please don’t use them to download big files, TV series or games. That uses large amounts of data.
7. If you’re not online at all
- You can still use an analogue landline phone for calls.
- If your home phone is a digital line (through the router), it won’t work during the outage. Ask a neighbour if you can make a call.
- Emergency numbers (999 or 112) still work from any mobile with any network, even if it’s not your provider.
- Keep important phone numbers written down somewhere safe.
8. Help from the community
- Bann-leathann and Urras Thiriodh are helping to identify anyone who needs to be connected because they are vulnerable, elderly, or have health needs.
- If you or someone you know needs help getting online, please let us know at:
📧 broadband@tireetrust.org.uk or ☎️ 01879 220 074 or by reaching out to Fiona - We will do what we can to connect you.
9. What happens next
- The fibre cable repair may take weeks or longer, depending on weather and equipment.
- We are trying to find a way to fund data for the local network until the repair is finished.
- Updates will be shared through the Trust, Tiree Broadband, and the Community Council.
10. In short
If you are struggling, contact broadband@tireetrust.org.uk.
Report your fault to your broadband provider.
Ask if they can send a 4G mini-hub or dongle.
You may be due compensation.
Consider an EE SIM or eSIM if your phone supports it.
Use public Wi-Fi and Tiree Broadband carefully.
EE works best, but not indoors.
