Working towards a Shared Rural Network to achieve 4G coverage in 95 percent of the UK

As part of the drive to improve the UK’s digital connectivity, the Government has recently announced plans for a Shared Rural Network venture between the Government and the major mobile network operators.

By 2025, the venture is expected to achieve 4G coverage in 95 percent of the UK. The Shared Rural Network will be a £1 billion jointly funded proposal by the Government and UK’s mobile operators. This includes a £530 million investment from the operators who will share existing masts and infrastructure.

Hamish MacLeod, Director at Mobile UK, said: “The mobile industry has a shared commitment with the Government to invest in and accelerate rural coverage improvements, and I am delighted that with the shared rural network, we have a proposal of action to deliver. Working in partnership with the Government, and all four mobile operators, through a programme of shared infrastructure, will virtually eliminate partial not-spots and then go further to bring 4G coverage to the most rural parts of the UK. This is good news for consumers and businesses across the whole of the UK.”