Keswick is the first town in England to benefit from Government-backed improved mobile coverage.
The first of 83 Government-funded mast upgrades planned in England were switched on today, April 9, near Keswick.
It means dozens of local businesses and community organisations in areas including Naddle, Thirlmere and St John’s-in-the-Vale, can now take advantage of better connectivity thanks to the Shared Rural Network – a £1 billion programme brokered by the Government and joint-funded with mobile network operators aimed at increasing mobile coverage in rural areas.
The boost has been carried out by upgrading existing mobile masts which previously only connected EE customers and anyone making 999 calls, meaning communities can benefit from improved connectivity without the visual impact involved when building new masts.
It will enable residents, tourists and businesses to access reliable 4G coverage from all four mobile network operators – EE, VMO2, Three and Vodafone – closing the connectivity blackhole and boosting economic growth in the region.
Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez said: “We’re dialling up fast and reliable mobile coverage across the UK through the Shared Rural Network. Our latest upgrade in the Lake District is one of many we’re working hard to deliver as part of our mission to clamp down on the headache of mobile ‘not spots’.
“The coverage boost will provide endless benefits for communities and visitors, ensuring people stay connected on the go, enabling people to work more efficiently and attracting vital investment to the rural economy.”
Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL) said: “In England, since the Shared Rural Network was announced in March 2020, 4G coverage from all four operators has expanded across an additional 5,400 square kilometres – an area larger than Norfolk. As more shared mobile sites go live, people visiting and living in rural areas will see better 4G service thanks to this programme.”
The Government is investing around £500 million into the Shared Rural Network, including £184 million to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts to provide coverage from all four mobile operators. Currently, commercial coverage from EAS masts is only available from EE – the operator responsible for the Emergency Services Network.
The remaining funding will go towards eliminating total ‘not spots’, places where there is no coverage from any mobile operator.
