Mobile coverage has been officially improved in areas across England, Scotland, and Wales thanks to a major upgrade of over 50 mobile masts
This upgrade demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing reliable mobile connectivity to the most remote rural areas.
Upgrading mobile masts for better connectivity
The newly upgraded masts, previously only accessible to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, have now been enhanced to support all four major UK network providers.
This expansion delivers 4G coverage across an area the size of more than 66,000 football pitches, providing fast and reliable signals in regions that have always struggled with patchy reception.
The upgrades are already benefiting key national parks, such as Snowdonia, the Lake District, and the North York Moors. The improvements are expected to significantly enhance the safety and experience of hikers, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on mobile signals for route planning, live weather updates, and emergency contact.
Preserving landscapes while improving networks
Wales has seen the most significant gains in connectivity, with remote regions such as the Berwyn Mountains, Brecon Beacons, the Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley now able to receive strong mobile signals across all networks. These upgrades are designed to minimise environmental impact by enhancing existing infrastructure rather than constructing entirely new masts, thereby helping to preserve the scenic landscape of the countryside.
The project is part of the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network programme, a collaborative initiative with mobile network operators aimed at improving rural connectivity nationwide.
So far, the programme has already helped increase coverage from all four network providers from 66% to 81% of the UK, an area larger than Wales and Northern Ireland together.
Residents, businesses, and tourists are expected to benefit from the improved service, which is anticipated to stimulate tourism and drive economic development in rural communities.
UK Government’s Plan for Change
The new masts help to support the Government’s Plan for Change, which focuses on breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring all regions of the UK can thrive in the digital age.
Many of the upgraded masts are situated in areas crucial to the tourism economy, including the Southern Upland Way in Scotland and the Shropshire Hills in England.
Better mobile coverage in these regions is expected to make outdoor activities more accessible and safer, particularly in areas where communication has previously been a challenge.
Plans to update masts further
There are already plans in place to upgrade an additional 50 publicly funded sites by March 2026. These further upgrades will continue to extend mobile coverage deeper into the countryside, building on the programme’s early success.
The improvements in connectivity show a significant step forward for the UK’s rural infrastructure.
With more reliable mobile service now reaching thousands of households, businesses, and visitors, the countryside is becoming not only more connected but also more accessible.
As the rollout continues, rural communities can look forward to a more connected future, with digital inclusion at the centre of the UK’s evolving landscape.
