24 December: Signal all the way!
- Over 100 mobile masts upgraded across rural Wales, Scotland and England delivering new 4G coverage from all mobile network operators for the first time
- Milestone reached in government’s Plan for Change to boost rural connectivity through Shared Rural Network, helping communities get the mobile coverage they need
- Over 400 businesses benefiting from new 4G coverage, boosting economic growth to deliver national renewal
Video calling the family for Christmas just got a little easier, with over 100 mobile network masts now upgraded to deliver 4G coverage from all major mobile network operators – a major milestone in the government’s drive to end mobile total-not-spots through the Shared Rural Network programme.
Families will enjoy their most connected Christmas yet, tourists visiting for festive breaks will have better connectivity for their journeys, and emergency services will have enhanced coverage during the winter months.
From guest houses and holiday lets, to village halls and coffee shops, businesses across previously unconnected parts of the UK can now more reliably process contactless payments, take online bookings and stay in touch with customers during the festive period.
The Shared Rural Network is a joint programme between the government and the UK’s mobile network operators EE, Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree to improve rural coverage across Britain.
Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said: “More of Britain’s rural communities are finally getting the connection they’ve been waiting for as we deck the hills with 4G coverage.
“These 100 upgraded masts mean businesses can ring up sales, families can video call their loved ones this Christmas without buffering mid-conversation, and our beautiful rural areas can attract the investment, jobs and tourism they need to thrive.
“Whether you’re in the Welsh valleys, the Scottish Highlands, or England’s national parks – rural communities are finally getting the connections they deserve, boosting opportunity and growth as we drive forward plans for national renewal.”
These improvements are already transforming connectivity in areas that were previously not served by all mobile network operators. Across Wales, Scotland and England, 105 masts have been upgraded – 44 in Wales, 33 in Scotland and 28 in England – providing reliable coverage to over 400 businesses and wrapping up a year of significant progress in rural connectivity.
The 100 masts are predicted to bring outdoor 4G signal coverage from all mobile networks to over 4,000 square kilometres of the UK – an area equivalent to 2.5 times the size of Greater London, or 9,600 Hyde Park Winter Wonderlands.
Among the businesses now enjoying improved connectivity, an eco-friendly guest house in the Scottish Borders can now keep guests connected during Christmas breaks while they enjoy the exceptional dark-sky location, perfect for tracking Santa on Christmas Eve.
A village hall at the heart of a community in Northumberland has vital infrastructure keeping locals connected, with events such as the local drama society’s production and regular weekly sessions of the community choir and ceilidh band.
New coverage will also be available in 10 national parks across England, Scotland and Wales, including Eryri National Park, and the Lake District.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
John Holland Chairman of Tarset Village Hall Committee said: “We operate all year round and the availability of new 4G connectivity from the mast now means it is possible for Hall users to contact committee members in the event of an issue. It has also improved public safety and led to financial benefits as well.”
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova the Shared Rural Network delivery partner said: “Christmas is a time for connection and this year more rural communities than ever can share that spirit. With the 100th site activated, in Llanfair on the border between England and Wales, these publicly funded masts can connect families, friends and businesses across a cumulative area of over 4,000 square kilometres, irrespective of mobile provider.
“This achievement is testament to what can be accomplished when government and industry work together. Since the Shared Rural Network began, 4G coverage from all four operators has grown from 66% to over 81% of the UK, an increase equivalent to the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined.”
About the Shared Rural Network
The Shared Rural Network is a partnership between the UK government and mobile network operators. It aims to improve mobile coverage in rural areas across the UK. The programme reached its target of delivering to 95% of UK landmass a year ahead of schedule. The latest Connected Nations report (published on 17 November) shows that 96% of the UK now has coverage from at least one mobile network operator which is up from 91% when the programme started in March 2020.
Recent achievements
The SRN programme has delivered mobile coverage to:
- An extra 9,500 premises
- 1,400 km of roads
- 4019 square kilometres is the cumulative area of the UK predicted to be reached with an outdoor 4G signal from all mobile networks from the 100 masts
Future SRN Rollout
- The programme will continue until January 2027. During this time there will be:
- 85 government funded mast upgrades planned across Britain
- Up to 44 new publicly funded masts built across Scotland with the first already live in the Western Isles
- This new infrastructure will expand reliable mobile coverage to more rural communities throughout Britain.
Emergency Services Network (ESN)
The government masts referenced in this press notice are being built by the Home Office to first and foremost facilitate the new Emergency Services Network (ESN). The government and mobile network operators have been working with the Home Office and the mobile network operators to upgrade these masts to provide commercial coverage from all UK mobile network operators.
Mobile Network Operator Investment
As part of the Shared Rural Network the mobile network operators have also invested in their own mast network tackling ‘partial not spots’. These are areas where customers can only access 4G if they are signed up with a mobile network operator that is active in that area. This work has already delivered significant coverage improvements across the UK and successfully completed last year.
