The chamber of commerce has supported the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland in its call for improved mobile phone coverage.
The FSB’s Scottish policy convenor, Andy Willox, has said good quality coverage is a necessity, in response to Scottish Government plans to change the planning system to make it easier to install telecommunications infrastructure.
Mr Willox said: “Too much of Scotland doesn’t have adequate mobile phone coverage. Our members tell us that new technology will be vital to grow their business and our visitors tell us that they want to use their mobile devices if they’re in the centre of Edinburgh or on the Isle of Mull.”
Bruce Simpson, vice convenor of Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, said: “I totally agree with the FSB stance. Mobile communications is part of basic business infrastructure just like broadband and decent transport communications.
“Bad mobile coverage means we, as businesses, are competing unfavourably with our competitors who do have decent coverage - especially in the cities.”
Ofcom statistics show that almost a quarter of the Borders does not receive a 2G signal.
Local MSP John Lamont has also supported the Government’s proposal, and the FSB’s position.
He said: “Our businesses are crying out for better mobile connectivity and this is an effective way of providing them with it.”