More than 150 4G mast upgrades have gone live through the UK Government's Shared Rural Network programme.
The UK Government is working with mobile network operators through the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme to bring reliable 4G mobile internet to rural areas where commercial rollout is harder and more expensive.
The upgrades – all delivered through existing infrastructure to protect scenic spots – mean additional 4G is now available across more than 5,684 square kilometres combined across the UK and includes three of the UK's most iconic hiking landscapes: the Lake District, Snowdonia and Exmoor. Previously, these areas would only be in range of EE coverage – or none at all – meaning most people would struggle to get online.
Some of Britain's most iconic national parks are among the biggest winners from the Shared Rural Network. Compared to other parks, the Yorkshire Dales and Eryri (Snowdonia) have seen the biggest boosts in mobile coverage rising by around seven percentage points in each, according to new government figures, helping visitors stay connected across some of Britain's most remote and hard-to-reach landscapes.
Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Ian Murray, said:
“You should be able to switch off in the countryside without being cut off from the help and services you need.
“These 150 masts are helping change that – giving walkers, visitors and rural communities better access to signal when they are checking a route, contacting family, running a business or calling for help.”
New analysis shows 42 Shared Rural Network sites have now been activated across the UK's national parks:
- 25 sites in England, including seven in the Lake District and six in the Yorkshire Dales.
- 16 sites in Wales, including 12 in Eryri/Snowdonia.
- 1 site in Scotland, in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs.
The SRN programme has achieved its objective of extending 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass, a year ahead of schedule.
