1 August 2025: The latest government-funded mast upgrade has been activated in Yorkshire in time for Yorkshire Day as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) – a programme brokered by the UK government and joint-funded with mobile network operators to improve mobile coverage in rural areas. Across the whole of the UK, 58 masts are now live as part of the SRN.
Rural towns and villages throughout Yorkshire are benefiting from faster, more reliable mobile coverage as one of the latest government-funded 4G network upgrades were switched on near the market town of Hawes, North Yorkshire. It means residents, local businesses and community organisations in areas including Hardraw, Appersett, Snaizeholme, Sedbusk, can now take advantage of better connectivity. These activations also bring enhanced connectivity to Yorkshire Dales National Park.
This adds to already SRN delivered enhanced geographic 4G connectivity in Yorkshire, including bringing 4G connectivity from all mobile network operators to parts of the North York Moors National Park, Helmsley, Nawton, Harome, Wombleton, Nunnington, Great Edstone, Great Habton, Pockley, Cold Kirby, Scawton, Scackleton, Cawton, Little Barugh, Old Byland, and North Grimston for the first time. Together, the SRN brings geographic 4G coverage from all mobile network operators to 494,033m of roads in Yorkshire so far.
The boost to coverage has been carried out by upgrading existing mobile masts which previously only connected EE customers and anyone making 999 calls, meaning communities can benefit from improved connectivity without the need for additional infrastructure.
The improvements will enable residents, tourists and businesses to access reliable 4G coverage from all four mobile network operators – EE, Three, VMO2 and Vodafone – helping close the digital divide between urban and rural communities and boosting economic growth across the nations.
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova said:
“I am delighted that locals and visitors can celebrate Yorkshire Day with enhanced outdoor 4G mobile connectivity from all of the mobile network operators for the first time. The masts, delivered by the Shared Rural Network, in Yorkshire bring connectivity to residents, businesses, and anyone passing through. Thanks to the Shared Rural Network, not-spots are shrinking, connections are growing, and more coverage is on its way.”
Minister for Telecoms, Chris Bryant MP said:
“Visitors to the Dales this Yorkshire Day will now enjoy better mobile signal thanks to the Government’s continued drive to boost connectivity in rural areas.
“The rollout of the Shared Rural Network means walkers can navigate more easily and access information on the go, while local businesses can benefit from being better connected, and emergency services can provide support more quickly when needed. This is connectivity that breaks down digital barriers and unlocks economic potential in Yorkshire’s world-class beauty spots – all of which boosts our Plan for Change.”
Since the Shared Rural Network programme began in 2020, an additional 34,000 square kilometres – an area equivalent to roughly double the size of Northern Ireland or 4.6 million football pitches – are receiving coverage from all four operators, EE, Three, VMO2 and Vodafone across the UK.
Through the SRN programme, the UK government and the UK’s four mobile network operators have already provided 4G coverage to an additional 280,000 premises and 16,000km of the UK’s roads.
The UK government is investing £184 million to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts to provide coverage from all four mobile operators. Currently, commercial coverage from EAS masts is only available from EE – the operator responsible for the Emergency Services Network.
Mobile operators have also invested over £500 million to target ‘partial not spots’ across the UK, where customers can only access 4G if they are signed up with a mobile network operator that is active in the area.
