Ministers have signed a new £1 billion deal with four major mobile network operators to bring good mobile phone coverage to mobile blackspots across rural Britain.
The Shared Rural Network (SRN) is a deal between the government and EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. The £1 billion investment will benefit rural communities across the country and will focus on a network of new and existing phone masts that will deliver 95% combined coverage across the whole of the UK by the end of 2025. It means consumers can rely on strong 4G coverage irrespective of what network provider they use and wherever they are.
This deal is great news for North West Norfolk. It means almost everyone will be able to take advantage of fast online services when they are out and about, whether keeping in touch with friends and family, using public services, or running their business.
James Wild campaigned during the election for better mobile phone coverage and has pressed for this agreement to be signed since his election to Parliament. As part of the ‘Norfolk Eight’, he and other local MPs have been lobbying the Chancellor and government on the importance of providing better connectivity for rural communities.
James Wild MP said:
‘I welcome this agreement which will boost mobile signal in North West Norfolk by tackling ‘not spots’. By bringing better coverage, it will help boost our local economy and make it easier for people to keep in touch. Alongside our commitment to gigabit broadband it is an important part of our pledge to improve connectivity to boost prosperity."
