Shared Rural Network

The new plans for all operators to share phone masts to improve UK coverage is a world first. It will mean EE, O2, Three and Vodafone will invest £530 million in a network of new and existing phone masts they would all share and which any mobile user can access and which would be supported by £500 million investment from Government.

Sir Michael backed this cross-party initiative and wrote to the then Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Wright MP asking him to support a Shared Rural Network which would significantly improve rural coverage and enhance economic, educational and leisure opportunities in rural areas.

Sir Michael said:  “My constituents in rural areas cannot be cut off because of where they live.  Our local economy depends on people being connected online – this initiative will help more people stay connected with fast and reliable mobile coverage.”

A final agreement between Government and the mobile industry is expected early next year.