Latest news with #SharedRuralNetwork
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Shropshire MP questions improvements to rural mobile phone coverage
An upgrade to mobile phone coverage on the Shropshire Hills has been welcomed although concerns remain about just how good the improvements are, an MP has Shropshire's Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan, who has campaigned for better rural mobile coverage, said she had not noticed "any discernible improvement" from the recent Shared Rural Network (SRN) masts in England have been upgraded to provide 4G coverage on all networks, including in parts of Shropshire."Obviously any improvement is really welcome, but I think the Shared Rural Network of which this rollout is a part hasn't really delivered what it was promised to deliver," Morgan said. The rollout has been led by the government and phone networks with masts that initially only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999 being upgraded to provide coverage for all mobile network said the industry had spent £500m improving signals in places where people could get a signal from one provider but not from others."But I have to say my experience in North Shropshire is that we can't notice any discernible improvement at all and I'm really concerned that the targets that have been set for that rollout weren't stretching enough and haven't really delivered the improvements that we need to see," she said."Certainly in north Shropshire and I would imagine and, although I spend less time there, it's the same in south Shropshire as well."She said she accepted there were planning issues around more masts being installed in the countryside but also criticised the coverage maps that were used to set targets for being inaccurate."So, I think there's a bigger risk that they think everything is rosy," she added."The capacity on those masts isn't good enough for people to connect when they're out and about."As chair of an all-party group on digital connectivity, she said the group would be reporting to the government the issues that they were still finding."The government have listened, I think, to the point about coverage maps, and we're expecting to see coverage maps out soon," she said, adding that she was, however, not hopeful about how much better they would be. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Business News Wales
6 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales' Beauty Spots to Get Better Mobile Coverage with Mast Upgrades
Tourists and hikers exploring Wales' most renowned beauty spots and national parks will benefit from a huge boost in mobile coverage, helping them plan routes and receive live weather updates for safer outdoors adventures. Nearly 30 mobile masts, initially only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999, have now been upgraded to provide coverage from all mobile network operators. The upgrade of existing masts will limit the visual and natural impact on the environment, causing less disruption to the surrounding areas. The upgrades will benefit thousands of local residents and many more visiting the surrounding areas, bringing fast and reliable 4G networks to remote communities previously plagued by poor signal. This will support local tourism and economic growth, the core mission of the Government's Plan for Change. The rollout is part of the Shared Rural Network programme led by the UK government and mobile network operators to improve mobile connectivity in rural communities across Britain. The new coverage will boost safety for holiday makers as well as economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas in Wales, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty to benefit from the boost include the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, in addition to many more rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire, Bognor, Ceredigion and others. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: 'Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. 'This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe.' The 4G boost will bring numerous benefits for local communities, enhancing connectivity to support local businesses, improving access to essential online services, enabling quicker payment options and giving farmers access to cutting-edge technology which can improve their productivity and sustainability. Research from telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can deliver a variety of economic benefits, including increased innovation, more flexible working and increasing the labour force, and opening up to larger markets. It is estimated that these benefits could increase gross value added (GVA) for those affected by improved connectivity by 0.5% each year. These upgrades mark significant progress in the government's mission to break down barriers to opportunity and boost economic growth across the UK, as outlined in the Plan for Change. To expand coverage even further, 50 more sites in England, Wales and Scotland are also being targeted for upgrades by March 2026. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. 'Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. 'This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales.' Ben Roome, CEO of Mova said: 'This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. 'These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66% to 81% of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. 'With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage.'
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Nearly 30 mobile masts upgraded across rural Wales
The UK Government has announced that 28 existing masts in rural areas, including Snowdonia, have been enhanced, providing better connectivity for all four UK networks. This initiative is part of a broader mission to boost tourism and local growth, aligning with the Government's Plan for Change. The improved coverage will benefit thousands of residents and visitors, offering fast and reliable 4G networks in previously poorly connected areas. This is expected to support local tourism and economic growth. The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network programme, a collaboration between the UK government and mobile network operators aimed at improving mobile connectivity in rural areas across Britain. The enhanced coverage will improve safety for holidaymakers and create economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty, such as the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley, as well as rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire and Ceredigion, will also benefit from the improved coverage. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: "Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. "This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe." Research by telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can bring a range of economic benefits, including greater innovation, more flexible working, a larger labour force and access to wider markets. It is estimated that these benefits could raise gross value added (GVA) for those impacted by improved connectivity by 0.5 per cent each year. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. "Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. "This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales." Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, said: "This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. "Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. "These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. "Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66 per cent to 81 per cent of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. "With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage."
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire communities to benefit from boost to mobile services
Mobile network masts in Scotland's rural communities, including Ayrshire, are to be upgraded to improve mobile coverage. Rural Ayrshire communities are set to benefit from plans to upgrade mobile network masts across Scotland. In total, 13 masts will be upgraded as part of the UK Government 's Shared Rural Network programme - a partnership with mobile network operators aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas throughout Britain. The masts will be upgraded to provide coverage from all four mobile network operators rather than just one as is currently the case. It is hoped that the upgrades will transform connectivity in remote areas of Scotland that have long suffered from poor signal. Rural areas across Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley will now be provided with reliable 4G services. South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said that the move would be a "game changer" for people living in rural areas. He said: 'This news will be very welcome to thousands of my constituents who are forced to deal with poor mobile phone signal. 'For too long there has been a real digital divide between rural and urban areas when it comes to connectivity and this is a positive step to closing that divide. 'When people visit, they expect to be able to access services, book restaurants, or get information about the area- but too often they can't and that is damaging for our tourism sector. 'This move will be a game changer for people and it shows that this UK Government is really taking on board the issues of rural Scotland.' Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: 'This significant mobile connectivity boost, funded by the UK Government, will help people in some of Scotland's most rural communities. 'It will support local businesses, and improve access and safety for residents and visitors alike. Improving digital connectivity - including in our most remote communities - is a key part of the UK Government's Plan for Change - it is vital to delivering jobs and economic growth. 'And upgrading existing masts rather than building new ones, there will be minimal environmental impact in what are some of Scotland's most scenic areas.'
Leader Live
7 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Nearly 30 mobile masts upgraded across rural Wales
The UK Government has announced that 28 existing masts in rural areas, including Snowdonia, have been enhanced, providing better connectivity for all four UK networks. This initiative is part of a broader mission to boost tourism and local growth, aligning with the Government's Plan for Change. The improved coverage will benefit thousands of residents and visitors, offering fast and reliable 4G networks in previously poorly connected areas. This is expected to support local tourism and economic growth. The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network programme, a collaboration between the UK government and mobile network operators aimed at improving mobile connectivity in rural areas across Britain. The enhanced coverage will improve safety for holidaymakers and create economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty, such as the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley, as well as rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire and Ceredigion, will also benefit from the improved coverage. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: "Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. "This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe." Research by telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can bring a range of economic benefits, including greater innovation, more flexible working, a larger labour force and access to wider markets. It is estimated that these benefits could raise gross value added (GVA) for those impacted by improved connectivity by 0.5 per cent each year. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. "Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. "This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales." Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, said: "This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. "Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. "These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. "Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66 per cent to 81 per cent of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. "With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage."
