UK government further expands rural 4G coverage through SRN | Computer Weekly

"Launched in 2020, the £1.3bn Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme is a joint initiative between the government and the UK's four mobile network operators - EE, VMO2, Three and Vodafone - to extend 4G connectivity to 95% of the UK's landmass by the end of 2025. The founding principle is that through both public and private investment, new and existing phone masts will be built or upgraded across the UK to close down so-called rural mobile notspots."

"According to the latest Connected nations report from UK communications regulator Ofcom, 96% of the UK now has coverage from at least one mobile network operator, up from 91% when the programme started in March 2020. To date, the SRN programme has already delivered mobile coverage to an extra 9,500 premises and 1,400km of roads. These improvements are said to be transforming connectivity in areas that were previously not served by all mobile network operators."

"Across Wales, Scotland and England, 105 masts have been upgraded over the past year - 44 in Wales, 33 in Scotland and 28 in England - providing reliable coverage to over 400 businesses. In addition, 4019km 2 is the cumulative area of the UK predicted to be reached with an outdoor 4G signal from all mobile networks through the new masts."

The Shared Rural Network launched in 2020 with a £1.3bn budget to expand 4G to 95% of the UK's landmass by end of 2025. The four operators — EE, VMO2, Three and Vodafone — and the government jointly fund upgrades and new masts overseen by Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL). Operators contributed £532m and the government provided over £501m. Ofcom reports 96% of the UK now has coverage from at least one operator, up from 91% in March 2020. The SRN added coverage for about 9,500 premises, 1,400km of roads, 105 upgraded masts and expanded outdoor 4G reach.

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