The Shared Rural Network (SRN) will deliver reliable mobile broadband to 95% of the UK, addressing the digital divide by improving 4G coverage in the areas that need it most.
To learn more about planned improvements in your area, visit the Forecast Coverage Improvements by Region page.
Through the programme, UK’s four mobile network operators (MNOs) – EE, Three VMO2 and Vodafone expect to:
By upgrading their existing networks and working together on shared infrastructure and new sites, the MNOs and Government will transform mobile coverage in rural areas. Individually, each operator will reach 90% geographic coverage, which will result in 84% of the UK having 4G coverage from all four operators, increasing choice and boosting productivity in rural areas.
To deliver the programme, MNOs have invested £532m to help eliminate the majority of ‘partial not-spots’ – areas which receive coverage from at least one, but not all, operators. The UK Government will provide a further £500m to build new masts to eliminate ‘total not-spots’ – hard to reach areas where there is currently no coverage at all.
The majority of Government funding is being invested in Scotland. Building Digital UK (BDUK) has published a report detailing the benefits the Shared Rural Network will deliver in the most rural parts of Scotland
The SRN is a sustainable approach to the challenge of delivering rural mobile coverage. The programme will transform 4G coverage without duplicating infrastructure, minimising the impact on our countryside.
