Residents warned of Wifi disruption during Navy exercise

Broadband customers in East Lothian have been warned they could lose their Wifi signal as a major naval exercise takes place off the Scottish coast.

Customers of Lothian Broadband have been told they could face disruption over the next two weeks.

An email sent out by the firm warns that some naval equipment and operations can interfere with its fixed wireless network.

Customers are being told: “The exercise is due to take place between May 8 and 22.

“From previous experience, the most vulnerable timings are one to two days before and one to two days following the exercise dates, as vessels travel to and from the exercise locations.”

Lothian Broadband, which was established in 2015 to provide wireless services to rural communities in East Lothian and Midlothian, is believed to currently provide services to 1800 homes in the areas.

Last year, the firm expanded by acquiring Highland Wireless and its 4000 properties as it looks to expand its footprint in Scotland.

The company told its local customers it would be increasing its support staff cover during the military exercise to deal with any issues which come up.

It said: “We have been working closely with Ofcom in recent days (who in turn liaise with the MoD on our behalf) to seek to minimize this impact as far as possible.

“We will also introduce some additional specific network monitoring and increase our level of support cover over this period to manage any interference that may arise.”

Story by local democracy reporter Marie Sharp