03 June 2025

The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced that 50 government-funded rural 4G mast upgrades are now live across England, Wales, and Scotland, with 50 more planned by March 2026.

This is part of the £1 billion Shared Rural Network (SRN) project, a partnership supported by £501 million public funding and £532 million private investment, aiming to extend 4G coverage to 95% of the UK by end-2025.

The project involves sharing existing masts and constructing new ones, with significant work focusing on upgrading Emergency Services Network (ESN) masts to support all mobile operators and improve emergency call connectivity. Key areas benefitting include parts of rural England, Wales, and Scotland, such as the Berwyn Mountains, Brecon Beacons, and regions across Scotland and Wales.

Since the SRN’s launch in March 2020, over 10,000 sq km have gained 4G coverage for the first time, with nearly 35,000 sq km now covered by all four UK networks (O2, Vodafone, Three UK, EE). Wales has seen notable improvements, with remote areas now covered by all four networks, sometimes requiring multiple masts for full coverage.