Improving mobile coverage in rural areas.

In today’s modern world being connected is critical. The ability to browse online, chat and access information when we need it, should be viewed as usual activity and not a privilege.

Poor connectivity in rural areas can have a significant adverse effect on the residents, local farms and businesses who require better mobile coverage to keep pace with today’s evolving digital society.

In response to rural communities’ concerns and needs, the Government made changes to the Electronic Communications Code (ECC) legislation in December 2017, making it easier for telecom operators to install and upgrade mobile infrastructure on sites. By bringing land valuations in line with their actual worth, rather than their value to the telecom operators, will provide greater investment into improving coverage to rural areas – an outcome which will be welcomed by many.

The ECC is a mechanism for bringing operators and landlords together, to agree on land valuations and rental terms consensually. It’s a positive approach to improving and extending mobile connectivity across the UK. The previous method of valuation would not have been commercially viable to provide the infrastructure now needed to support the demands for connectivity, particularly with data growth which is increasing exponentially. The ECC has divided opinion. For some it is seen as a mechanism for building the UK’s digital future, for others, it’s a barrier to installing mobile infrastructure.