Improved mobile coverage could unlock 49,000 new UK businesses, VodafoneThree says

"Improved mobile connectivity could help create 49,000 new businesses across the UK and add £6.6bn a year to the economy within a decade, according to research commissioned by VodafoneThree. The modelling, carried out by consultancy WPI Strategy, suggests that stronger and more reliable mobile coverage would unlock entrepreneurship in underserved areas, driving long-term economic growth by 2036."

"The findings come as VodafoneThree announced it had removed 16,500 square kilometres of mobile "not spots" by deploying Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology across more than 8,000 sites nationwide. The technology allows Vodafone and Three customers to connect to the strongest available signal at no extra cost. The upgrade forms part of the company's £11bn investment programme, which aims to deliver 99 per cent 5G Standalone population coverage by 2030, rising to 99.96 per cent by 2034."

"An independent survey of 2,000 people, including existing and aspiring business owners, found that 62 per cent of would-be founders said unreliable mobile connectivity had prevented them from starting a business in their local area. A third said better signal would make their area more attractive for launching a company, while 26 per cent said it would directly increase their likelihood of setting up a business locally."

Modelling by consultancy WPI Strategy projects that improved mobile coverage could enable 49,000 new businesses across the UK and add £6.6bn per year to the economy by 2036. VodafoneThree removed 16,500 square kilometres of mobile not-spots using Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) across more than 8,000 sites, letting customers use the strongest available signal. The work is part of an £11bn investment to deliver 99% 5G Standalone population coverage by 2030 and 99.96% by 2034. An independent survey of 2,000 people found 62% of would-be founders were prevented from starting due to unreliable mobile connectivity, with many saying better signal would increase local business starts. The North West could gain nearly 6,000 firms and about £807m annually from improved coverage, and dependable mobile coverage particularly boosts entrepreneurship and performance in rural areas.

Read at Business Matters