17 June 2026:
- A further two 4G masts have been activated this year thanks to government funding through the Shared Rural Network – bringing the total in the region to 16
- Better mobile coverage will support rural businesses to respond to customers, manage deliveries and keep staff connected, while helping local communities access services, stay in touch and get help more quickly in emergencies.
- Areas now in range of the coverage include Sharperton in Northumberland and Longsleddale near Kendal.
Finding a decent mobile signal in the countryside is now easier than ever in the North East and Cumbria as dozens of 4G mast upgrades are switched on thanks to UK Government investment.
A further two 4G masts have been activated in the North East and Cumbria this year thanks to the Shared Rural Network – a partnership between the government and mobile network operators to improve mobile signal in hard-to-reach rural areas. It brings the total number of masts in the region to 16.
Areas to benefit from the most recent upgrades include Sharperton in Northumberland and Longsleddale near Kendal. Residents and visitors to these areas can now enjoy fast, reliable mobile internet regardless of which mobile network they’re signed up with.
Better mobile coverage will help rural businesses stay in touch with customers and suppliers, manage deliveries and keep staff connected while working across large or remote areas. It will also give local communities more reliable access to services, work and everyday communication, while helping people get support more quickly in an emergency.
Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said:
“The Shared Rural Network, backed by government funding, is helping bring every part of the UK into the digital age, including some of the North East and Cumbria’s most remote communities.
Whether it’s farmers, walkers and local businesses, or residents accessing vital services, these upgrades will make life easier across rural parts of the North East and Cumbria.
The switching on of these masts is proof that our investment is improving mobile coverage in the places that need it most.”
Across Great Britain, over 140 4G masts have been activated thanks to government funding for the SRN. The vast majority involve upgrades to existing masts rather than building new infrastructure, helping to preserve the natural beauty of rural areas while boosting connectivity for communities.
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Masts have been activated in the following areas across the North East and North West of England:
- Middale, Longsleddale, Kendal
- Sharperton, Northumberland
- Land at Downham Farm, Mindrum, near Coldstream, Northumberland
- Cellnex (formerly QS4), Ashgill Wood, Garrigill, near Alston, Cumbria
- Cauda Brow, Croasdale, Ennerdale Bridge
- Herdlaw Farm, Elsdon, Otterburn Training Area
- Chapel House Farm, Rosthwaite, Keswick
- Land at Hall Dunnerdale Farm, Seathwaite, Broughton-in-Furness
- Latterbarrow Nether, Wasdale
- Land at Fangs Brow Farm, Loweswater, Allerdale, Cumbria
- Land at Westmains Farm, Penton, Carlisle
- Brownknowe Farm, Tarest, Hexham
- East Friars Farm, Bowlees, Middleton-in-Teesdale
- Land north of Grange Moor Farm Cottages, Scots Gap, Morpeth, Northumberland
- Near Solway View, Roadhead, Carlisle
- Land at Bridge End Farm, Thirlmere, Keswick
