Technology chiefs have been urged to boost high-speed digital connectivity in Perthshire before the Ryder Cup in 2014.
The high-profile sporting event will be hosted by Gleneagles from September 26 to 28, the first time it has been held on Scottish soil in almost 40 years.
Scottish Government estimates have put the potential economic benefit of the tournament at £100 million, with opportunities for Perthshire to share in the positive financial spin-off.
Businesses and politicians have, however, joined with Perth and Kinross Council to warn that poor communications such as patchy mobile phone coverage could damage the region’s reputation as it comes under the microscope of the world’s media.
Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has been campaigning for the past two years on the issue.
Chief executive Vicki Unite said: “The eyes of the world will be on Perthshire next year, with the media beaming pictures and transmitting instant news copy around the globe.
“This is a huge business opportunity and we want to showcase Scotland in general, and Perthshire specifically, as a forward-looking country, not one stuck in the digital slow lane.
Vodafone and Telefonica a Spanish broadband and telecommunications provider which owns 02 currently share a 2G antenna at Crieff Hydro Hotel, which services the surrounding area.
The technology was developed in the early 1990s, however, and for more than a decade it has been overtaken by more powerful 3G services, which offer speeds up to four times faster.
The 3G technology offers high resolution video and multi-media applications, as well as enabling office services, virtual banking, e-retailing, video conferencing and high-quality broadband internet access for users on the move.
Previous plans to upgrade the Crieff antenna to 3G have been abandoned but Perthshire Chamber of Commerce believes that it is vitally important ahead of next year’s Ryder Cup.
“Journalists having to make do with dated 2G networks will send the wrong signal,” Ms Unite said.
“We need Vodafone and 02 to put in place 3G technology now so we are up to speed in 2014. These two communications giants have a responsibility to local private customers and businesses to ensure our region is well connected.
“Investment in more modern digital technology will not just benefit the area for next year’s Ryder Cup, it will deliver real, lasting improvements to business, the economy and local communities in the future.”
The chamber’s call also has the backing of local MPs, MSPs and Perth and Kinross Council.
John Swinney said of the issue: “The Ryder Cup will see the eyes of the world on Perthshire and so it’s essential that all aspects of the event run smoothly.”
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller added: “We are working hard to play our part in improving high-speed digital connectivity across the region.
“We have also secured investment that will help support sustainable economic growth and digital participation by our communities but we cannot do it alone.
“Communications companies have a corporate responsibility to the community in Perth and Kinross to radically improve what is a key part of our daily lives and doing business.
“The Ryder Cup is a huge economic opportunity and showcase for our region.
“We want Vodafone and O2 to step up to the plate so that we have the digital infrastructure in place to ensure the rest of the world sees us at our best.”
Perth was given a boost last year with confirmation that it was to benefit from the UK Government’s Urban Broadband Fund. But Vicki Unite said it was just as important that the region’s large rural areas were not held back.