Mova: Increasing 4G Coverage in Shared Rural Networks
Mova's four mobile network operators, EE, Three, VMO2 and Vodafone, are upgrading 4G coverage across England, Scotland and Wales with the revamp of a total 119 mobile masts.
As of 9 March, 50 of these sites are being activated in Wales as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme funded by the UK government, which is using existing infrastructure to bring better mobile network service to residents and businesses in rural areas.
A total £184m (US$245.4m) is being invested by the government to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts. The move is also supported by private investors, which aims to boost the Welsh economy by closing the digital divide across a total 3,400km of Welsh roads.
Alongside 16 rural towns, the masts' activation is enhancing connectivity in Eryri National Park and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, which boosts tourism and support businesses in Wales.
Connectivity for all
The existing masts were initially only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999, but have now been upgraded to provide coverage from all four Mova mobile network operators.
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, says: "Upgrading 50 EAS masts in Wales shows the strength of a shared, neutral programme.
"Every site benefits every operator, every community and every mobile user. Together, they represent practical steps toward fairer, more resilient connectivity across rural Wales.
"Since the launch of the Shared Rural Network, 4G coverage from all mobile network operators has increased from 66% to 81% of the UK, an expansion equivalent to the combined size of Wales and Northern Ireland."
The SRN says that any other mobile providers will be using one of the four mobile operators' networks to offer their services through a chosen network, so any non-customers of the big four networks will not be affected.
Growth for telecoms
The 4G coverage from the four telecoms in Wales will see a minimum rise to 78% up from 57%, and coverage from at least one telecom increase to 97%.
People living in Wales or Scotland will see the biggest coverage improvements as the landmass coverage in the nations are starting from a lower base.
Telecoms Minister of the UK Government, Sir Chris Bryant, says: "The growth potential of our areas of outstanding natural beauty must not be stunted by patchy internet.
"This milestone is a major step forward for better connectivity for all corners of the UK meaning everyone can reap the benefits of the digital age.
"From boosting tourism and business opportunities to providing safer outdoor experiences for visitors to our treasured countryside."
Environmental impact and sustainability
As the Shared Rural Network (SRN) is using existing infrastructure for the mast upgrades, it will be reducing carbon footprint associated with achieving mobile coverage.
The SRN says that this is "because fewer mobile sites will need to be installed, operated and maintained than would otherwise be the case."
As more services can be digitised in rural areas with better mobile connectivity to rural businesses, the carbon footprint of businesses can also be reduced.
The network says this is because business owners can increase the number of their virtual meetings and reduce the number of face-to-face meetings, which allows for a cut back on unnecessary travel.
Scale across the UK
Since the SRN programme began in 2020, an area equivalent of 4.6 million football pitches are receiving coverage from all four operators owned by Mova across the UK. This is roughly 1.5 times the size of Wales.
The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, says: "Access to fast and reliable mobile coverage is increasingly important for residents, businesses and community organisations in rural communities all over Wales.
"Hitting this milestone is an important step in our mission to grow the Welsh economy, supporting businesses to succeed and creating opportunities in every corner of Wales."
UK residents have been affected by 'partial not spots', where customers can only access 4G if they are signed up with a telecom network that is active in the area.
However, mobile operators have invested £500m (US$667m) to target these and reduce how customers are impacted.
