Government upgrades more than 50 existing mobile masts across UK to boost tourism and local growth in rural areas
Some of the best-known beauty spots and national parks across the UK can now benefit from improved mobile coverage, thanks to a government-backed upgrade of more than 50 existing masts. Over half of the masts involved in the upgrade provide coverage to areas of outstanding beauty or national parks.
Photo by Erik van Dijk / Unsplash
That means tourists and hikers can plan routes, receive live weather updates and generally keep in touch while exploring – ensuring they keep safe. The upgrades will also benefit thousands of local residents, bringing fast and reliable 4G networks to remote communities that have had to make do with poor signal. The aim is to support both tourism and economic growth.
Until now, the masts were used only to connect EE customers and those calling emergency services. The upgrade means they’ll provide coverage for all mobile network operators. Importantly, the upgrade of existing masts means the additional coverage does not require new infrastructure to be built, limiting the visual and natural impact on the environment.
Wales is the biggest beneficiary of the upgrade, with remote parts of Snowdonia, Berwyn Mountains, Brecon Beacons, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley now covered by all four UK networks. Other beneficiaries include the Lake District, the North York Moors National Park, parts of the Southern Upland Way and the Shropshire Hills.
Altogether, the masts cover an area equivalent to 66,470 football pitches.
The upgrade has been carried out as part of the Shared Rural Network programme, led by the UK Government in partnership with mobile network operators to improve connectivity in rural communities. A further 50 sites across England, Wales and Scotland are expected to be upgraded by March 2026.
Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms, 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 outdoors experiences for visitors to our treasured countryside.’
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, adds: ‘This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live, helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors.
‘These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66% to 81% of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage.’
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