UK’s second largest mobile network operator, EE, has completed the first phase of its Shared Rural Network (SRN) coverage rollout, achieving this milestone six months ahead of schedule. EE is the first telecommunications company in the UK to meet its SRN coverage targets. The UK regulator Ofcom had given all four operators, including Vodafone, O2, and Three, until June 2024 to meet their individual SRN coverage targets for partial not-spot areas.The SRN initiative is a collaboration between the four major carriers (EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three) and the UK government, aiming to improve connectivity in some of the country’s most remote areas. The goal is to increase all operators’ 4G coverage to 90 percent of the UK landmass and their aggregate coverage to 95 percent by 2027, with a total investment of £1 billion ($1.27 billion).
UK regulator Ofcom gave all four operators, including Vodafone, O2, and Three, until June 2024 to meet their individual SRN coverage targets for partial not-spot areas.
EE has extended its 4G network to over 1,600 rural locations across the UK in the first phase of the SRN. The second phase, expected to be completed by 2027, will involve the development of new shared masts to bring 4G connectivity to areas with no existing mobile service.
EE has completed the first phase of the SRN rollout ahead of schedule and also EE’s 4G coverage now extends to 94 percent of England, 89 percent of Northern Ireland, 87 percent of Scotland, and 86 percent of Wales.
The company claims that its mobile coverage and internet service reach 99 percent of the population and 88 percent of the entire UK landmass.
The initiative supports the goal of achieving 90 percent 4G coverage of the UK landmass and 95 percent aggregate coverage by 2027 and the second phase of the SRN, scheduled for completion in 2027, will focus on developing new shared masts to extend 4G connectivity to areas without existing mobile service.
EE plans to decommission its 3G network, with a full switch-off expected in March. The company will concentrate on enhancing 4G and 5G coverage.
In a statement, Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT (EE’s parent company), said “Today is another major milestone in our ongoing work to help close the UK’s digital divide. From farmers in Northern Ireland and local businesses in the Scottish Highlands, to tourists in the Lake District or Eryri National Park, EE is delivering the reliable mobile connectivity Britain’s rural communities need.”
Despite meeting SRN commitments ahead of time, EE remains committed to enhancing mobile connectivity in areas without existing coverage.
The successful completion of the first phase of the SRN rollout represents significant progress in the effort to improve mobile connectivity in remote and underserved areas across the UK.
