Government programme boosts 4G coverage in rural Wales

Several rural communities in Wales are now accessing fast and reliable 4G mobile coverage thanks to the UK government's Shared Rural Network initiative to tackle poor connectivity in remote areas.

The first of 86 planned 4G mobile masts have been switched on this month in places like Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Ysbyty Ystwyth, LLanafan, Tynygraig, West Fedw and Trawsgoed in Powys County. Residents, businesses and tourists in these areas can now benefit from improved 4G coverage from all...

19 March 2024 | Hot Topics

Virgin Media O2 trials new approach to boosting mobile coverage

Virgin Media O2 has successfully trialled a new approach to boosting mobile services by leveraging its existing fixed network infrastructure along with new smart poles. This innovative solution could help boost mobile coverage across local areas in the UK.

The trial, conducted in collaboration with shareholder Liberty Global, involved installing compact smart poles adjacent to Virgin Media's fibre network cabinets. These poles, significantly smaller than traditional mobile phone...

18 March 2024 | 5G

Ofcom: Over half of UK can access full-fibre, mobile coverage steady

In the latest release of Ofcom’s Connected Nations report, the regulator has provided insight into the state of mobile coverage and broadband availability across the UK.

The report, which delves deep into the accessibility of essential services, brings encouraging news regarding full-fibre broadband accessibility and a steady course for mobile coverage.

Full-fibre reaches majority of UK homes

The standout revelation from the report is the availability of full-fibre...

8 September 2023 | 5G

DISH now offers 5G broadband to over 70% of US population

DISH Wireless has announced the availability of its 5G broadband service to over 70 percent of the US population, granting access to more than 240 million Americans.

The development is a significant milestone for DISH and the US telecommunications industry, as the company designed, constructed, and deployed a 5G network within a span of just three years.

DISH highlights that it has also fulfilled all other commitments outlined by the Federal Communications Commission...

15 June 2023 | 5G

RootMetrics: EE maintains UK mobile network performance lead

The latest UK Mobile Performance Review from RootMetrics finds that EE remains the operator to beat.

EE earned the top spot across all seven of RootMetrics’ performance categories: Overall Performance, Reliability, Accessibility, Speed, Data, Call, and Text. The operator took home 109 of 112 RootScore Awards in major metropolitan areas.

Patrick Linder, Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications at RootMetrics, said:

“As the UK’s hunger for data...

19 January 2022 | 5G

Vodafone partners with Mavenir to develop indoor OpenRAN solution

Vodafone and Mavenir have developed a small cell OpenRAN solution for indoor network coverage.

The solution is designed for businesses with medium to large office spaces and uses OpenRAN to support interoperability and prevent vendor lock-in.

Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone UK, said:

“So far, OpenRAN deployment has focused on outdoor connectivity, but there is significant potential for this technology in the office environment.

A simple...

8 July 2021 | LTE

EE eases the pain of returning to London’s rail network with coverage boost

EE has boosted its mobile coverage across London’s rail network in preparation for the return of commuters and travellers.

The UK’s largest mobile operator has built almost 70 new 4G mobile sites – with hundreds more planned – across London’s key rail routes.

Connectivity has been improved on seven sections of the London Euston to Birmingham New Street route, and six between London Victoria and Brighton. Other lines to see upgrades include London Paddington to...

17 May 2021 | LTE

EE announces major rural 4G coverage expansion plan

BT-owned EE has announced plans to expand its 4G coverage in more than 500 areas this year to boost rural connectivity.

The expansion is part of the government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative signed by the UK’s four major operators: EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three.

Matt Warman, Minister for Digital Infrastructure, said:

"I'm delighted to see the great strides EE is making to boost 4G services in countryside communities as part of the Shared Rural...

24 February 2021 | Legislation & Government

Vodafone, Three, and O2 commit to building 222 masts together

Three of the UK’s four major telcos have committed to building 222 new masts as part of an endeavour to address rural coverage issues.

Vodafone, O2, and Three UK will build and share the new masts to improve rural 4G coverage across all four nations of the United Kingdom.

Nick Jeffery, CEO of Vodafone UK, said:

“We know connectivity is vital and the only way to fill the holes in the UK’s mobile coverage is to work together.

Our unique collaboration...

27 January 2021 | Legislation & Government

Connected Nations 2020: How networks handled an extra demanding year

Ofcom has released the 2020 edition of its Connected Nations report, providing insight into how networks handled an extra demanding year.

Whether it’s getting work done from home, or binging on Netflix. Checking in with phone calls to elderly relatives, or posting the latest TikTok trend video. Never has the connectivity we’re blessed with today been so appreciated.

Demands on fixed and mobile networks soared this year as a result of the pandemic. Ofcom notes that...

17 December 2020 | Legislation & Government