Three Mobile, O2 and Vodafone customers will soon enjoy improved 3G and 4G signal on their smartphones across the UK. That’s all thanks to an important new agreement between these popular rival networks that aims to boost things in areas which have suffered dire connections in the past.
The three competitors have now joined forces to build and share hundreds of new phone masts which should hopefully bring a better 4G signal to millions of customers. A total of 222 masts will be installed between now and 2024 via the Shared Rural Network (SRN) incentive.
This programme of investment will increase coverage in each of the UK nations with 124 new sites in Scotland, 33 in Wales, 11 in Northern Ireland, and 54 in England. The new investment will extend the proportion of the UK where all mobile networks provide 4G services from 67 percent to 84 precent which is an impressive leap.
In addition to this privately funded SRN investment, the Government will also spend over £500m to go even further to eliminate areas where there is no 4G coverage from any operator.
READ MORE: New Windows 10 PC from Samsung will help end your broadband woes
Mark Evans, CEO of O2, added: “The Shared Rural Network is a new and more collaborative way of delivering greater investment in infrastructure to improve mobile digital connectivity – a high impact enabler of economic growth. I am delighted that O2 is working in partnership with other mobile operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network, which will support individuals, businesses and communities across rural Britain.”
And commenting on the agreement, Nick Jeffery, CEO of Vodafone UK, said: “We know connectivity is vital and the only way to fill the holes in the UK’s mobile coverage is to work together.
“Our unique collaboration with O2 and Three will deliver 222 new sites in parts of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that need better connectivity. Delivering the Shared Rural Network will make a huge difference to communities across the UK.”
