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More than 100 mobile network masts in rural areas across the UK have been upgraded to deliver 4G coverage from all major mobile operators, a meaningful step towards improved connectivity for traditionally underserved regions.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Rural 4G Gets a Boost
A £1.3 billion program is working to bring reliable mobile service to 95% of the UK landmass by the end of 2025.
- Launched in 2020, the Shared Rural Network (SRN) program aims to eliminate “rural mobile notspots.”
- The initiative combines £532 million in industry investment with over £501 million of public funding.
- To date,the SRN has extended coverage to an extra 9,500 premises and 1,400km of roads.
- 105 masts have been upgraded in the past year across Wales,scotland,and England.
The Shared Rural Network (SRN) is a collaborative effort – to extend 4G connectivity to 95% of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025. The core idea behind the SRN is to close so-called rural mobile notspots through a combination of public and private investment in both new and upgraded phone masts.
Under the scheme, the four operators pledged to enhance 4G coverage and improve connectivity across the UK. This commitment has resulted in investment in a shared network of existing and new phone masts, overseen by Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL), a jointly owned company.
According to the latest Connected nations report from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, 96% of the UK now benefits from coverage from at least one mobile network operator, a rise from 91% when the program began in March 2020. The SRN program has, to date, delivered mobile coverage to an extra 9,500 premises and 1,400km of roads.
Over the past year, 105 masts have been upgraded across Wales, Scotland, and England – 44 in Wales, 33 in Scotland, and 28 in England – providing reliable coverage to over 400 businesses.
The cumulative area of the UK predicted to be reached with an outdoor 4G signal from all mobile networks through these new masts is 4,019km2. Enhanced coverage will also be available in 10 national parks across England, Scotland, and Wales, including Eryri National Park and the Lake district.
UK telecoms minister Liz Lloyd commented on the upgrade, stating: “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 … rural communities are finally getting the connections they deserve, boosting opportunity and growth as we drive forward plans for national renewal.”
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, the SRN delivery partner, added that Christmas is a time for connection, and this year, more rural communities than ever will be able to 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 4,000km2, irrespective of mobile provider. This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when government and industry
