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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8olW-8AWw1k
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 will invest £532m to 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 Government funding is being invested in Scotland. Building Digital UK 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.
