Shared Rural Network

PNS Progress

The Partial Not Spot (PNS) element of the programme is funded and delivered by the mobile operators. You can find the latest updates on the News page.

In September 2024, Ofcom published an update on the compliance of the UK’s four mobile network operators with their Shared Rural Network coverage obligations. You can read the report here on the Ofcom website. In November 2024, Ofcom has now completed a further assessment of information provided by Three to confirm that these requirements have been met. The full update statement can be read on the Ofcom website.

TNS Progress

On the publicly funded element of the programme, which involves providing coverage in the total-not-spots (TNS), progress continues with planning applications now being submitted across Scotland. We will provide a rolling update of how many validated applications are in the planning system below. Many mast locations are still to be finalised before they can progress to the planning stage.

Over the past year we have seen survey teams from all four operators and their suppliers heading out on site to carry out on Kick Off Visits (KOVs) and Multi Skilled Visits (MSVs) to make final site assessments. Through these vital site visits we now expect to need fewer masts than originally planned, whilst still delivering the necessary coverage targets.

Number of TNS sites in
planning / acquisition phase
Number of TNS sites in
build phase
Number of TNS sites
live
c150
2
0

EAS Progress

As part of the Shared Rural Network programme, UK Government funding is being made available to the Home Office and mobile network operators (MNOs) to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts being built as part of the Emergency Services Network (ESN) to make them usable by the four MNOs to offer commercial connectivity as well as emergency services coverage. However, in some cases it may not be possible to due to technical, financial or other reasons, such as planning.

Nation
Number of EAS sites in or completed the acquisition /design phase
Number of EAS sites in or completed build upgrade phase
Number of EAS sites live
Number of EAS sites descoped
UK
207
121
23
25
England
56
30
3
3
Wales
66
49
18
3
Scotland
85
42
2
19