Phone mast upgrades provide service to rural area the size of 66,000 football pitches

More than 50 mobile masts in rural areas of the UK have been upgraded, providing better service in rural areas to help drive economic growth. The rollout will provide reliable signal to an area larger than 66,000 football pitches, with the biggest connectivity boost in Wales. 

The project is part of the Shared Rural Network programme which brings together the government and the UK's four mobile network operators to provide improved network coverage in rural regions.

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “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.”

Over half of the masts provide coverage to areas of outstanding natural beauty including Snowdonia, the Lake District and the North York Moors National Park. 

This will support tourists in planning their routes and receiving weather updates, making these sites more accessible and driving up visitor numbers. 

Sir Chris Bryant commented that “the growth potential of our areas of outstanding natural beauty must not be stunted by patchy internet.”  

The masts were originally used to connect EE customers to the emergency services, but have been re-purposed to provide service from all network providers, for all situations. 

By upgrading existing masts the environmental impact of new construction has been reduced and the disruption on surrounding areas minimised.