The main mobile phone operators are to improve coverage in rural areas under a new landmark deal.
EE, O2, Three and Vodafone have signed a binding agreement to tackle poor signal
issues in so-
These are areas within the UK that have coverage from some but not all of the four mobile networks. Depending on the network consumers are on, they may have no coverage in these areas.
Under the agreement all four of the mobile networks have collectively agreed to a £5 billion investment programme to improve mobile infrastructure by 2017.
Areas blighted by patchy coverage from partial not-
Complete not-
Stronger signal strength should reduce the chance of people being cut off during calls.
It is unknown what -
Under the deal, full coverage from the big four will increase from 69% to 85% of geographic areas within three years.
It means 15% of the UK could still miss out.
The deal between the UK government and the networks will be enforceable by Ofcom.
No cash payments will be made by government to the mobile networks as part of the agreement though they may get a reduced annual licence fee.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I am pleased to have secured a legally binding deal with the four mobile networks.
“Too many parts of the UK regularly suffer from poor mobile coverage leaving them unable to make calls or send texts.
“Government and businesses have been clear about the importance of mobile connectivity,
and improved coverage, so this legally binding agreement will give the UK the world-
EE CEO Olaf Swantee said: “This agreement ensures that our customers are able to stay connected in even more places up and down the country.”
Derek McManus, Chief Operating Officer of O2, said: “A partnership between government and the mobile operators is required to maximise coverage across the UK, so this agreement is a good outcome for our customers. It will support investment in our network, while ensuring that strong competition remains between the different networks.”
Dave Dyson, Chief Executive of Three, said: “Today’s agreement reflects the strength of our network today, our plans for the future and our commitment to bring its benefits to more people and more places than ever before.”
A Vodafone spokesperson said: “The voluntary industry commitment we have agreed with the Government today will deliver 90% of the UK’s land mass with voice services and a major improvement in mobile internet coverage as well. It is a great result for UK consumers and businesses and it will make the UK a leader across Europe in terms of the reach of mobile coverage.”
Mobile phone operators to improve rural coverage
18 December 2014