UK mobile networks Vodafone, O2 and Three tackle rural coverage

Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings

27/01/2021 08:08

LONDON, Jan 27 (Reuters) - British mobile networks Vodafone
 VOD.L , O2  TEF.MC  and Three  0215.HK  are teaming up to build
and share 222 mobile masts to boost 4G coverage in rural areas
where there is only a patchy signal.
    The first stage of the shared rural network will increase
coverage in each of the UK nations, with 124 new sites in
Scotland, 33 in Wales, 11 in Northern Ireland and 54 in England,
the companies said on Wednesday.
    Construction will start this year and is scheduled to be
completed by 2024, they said. 
    The mobile industry and the government agreed last year to
create a shared rural network, at a cost of 1 billion pounds
provided by operators and public funds to improve rural
coverage.
    In this first stage, the operators will target areas reached
by only one network currently. 
    A second stage to tackle areas where they is currently no
signal at all will be funded by the government.

 (Reporting by Paul Sandle, editing by Andy Bruce)
 ((paul.sandle@thomsonreuters.com; +44 20 7542 6843; Reuters
Messaging: paul.sandle.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))