SRN (Shared Rural Network) News

April 17, 2024

LBC Podcast: Author of Major Industry Report Talks About Urgent Need To Rebalance the Investment Environment To Spur Mobile Deployment

Gavin Winbanks, author of a new report looking at unlocking investment in the mobile industry, calls on the Government to follow through on its Wireless Infrastructure Strategy

April 11, 2024

Wireless Infrastructure Strategy Targets At Risk According To New Mobile Telecoms Industry Report

Government ambitions for widespread adoption of 5G are at risk of being missed if actions outlined in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy are not followed through.

April 9, 2024

SRN Update: Lake District Gains 4G Coverage As Part Of The Shared Rural Netwok

Rural towns and villages benefit from government funded element of the Shared Rural Network in the Lake District to deliver 4G mobile coverage in hard-to-reach areas.

April 8, 2024

New Report Finds That UK Mobile Customers Have Fifth Most Affordable Mobile Data In The World

New report published by Broadband Genie finds the the United Kingdom has the fifth most affordable mobile data in the world putting the UK on par with Honk Kong and Denmake and ahead of Germany, Itlay, the US, Japan and France.

March 28, 2024

SRN Update: Proposed SRN TNS Site Locations

Click here to learn more about the proposed TNS, Total Not Sport publicly funded, locations of the Shared Rural network.

March 19, 2024

What Is The 2G/3G Switch Off? How Will It Impact Me?

Did you know that 2G and 3G networks are being phased out to make way for faster, more secure, more reliable and more energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks? To learn more click here to view our latest information video.

March 11, 2024

Don't Drop the Call: Why Supporting the UK's Mobile Industry is Essential

As we look forward to a future General Election Mobile UK outlines why the mobile industry matters and why it is essential that there is a positive investment environment to spur on the deplyment of world class mobile connectivity.

March 4, 2024

Budget 2024: Improving Mobile Connectivity - The Importance of a Positive Investment Environment

Mobile UK's CEO, Hamish MacLeod, outlines the actions needed from the Chancellor to enable a positive investment environment to assist the rollout of world-class mobile networks.

February 29, 2024

Live Better Connected: Beyond Gigabytes - Shining a Light on the True Value of Telecoms with Telecoms Expert Matt Howett from Assembly Research

Have you ever wondered about the true value of mobile connectivity in our lives? In this episode we chat with Matt Howett, CEO of Assembly Research, to discuss his most recent report uncovering the real value of mobile connectivity.

February 27, 2024

Vodafone Successfully Switches Off 3G Across The UK

Vodafone switches off its 3G network to repurpose the radio frequencies to strengthen the networks 4G and 5G services.

February 26, 2024

Beyond The Buzz: How Connectivity Thrives In Untamed Places

Forget bustling cities and crowded towns. Imagine vast landscapes, untouched by human hands, where nature reigns supreme. Why do we still need connectivity in unpopulated areas.

February 26, 2024

EE Closes The Curtain On Its 3G Network

BT/EE announces that it has shut off its 3G network bringing an end to its use of the technology after 20 years.

February 23, 2024

SRN Update: DSIT Response To NAO Report

DSIT provides a response to the NAOs report examining the progress of the Shared Rural Network.

February 20, 2024

SRN Update: EE Delivers Coverage Boost To North Yorkshire

EE announces that it has upgraded or built more than 40 masts in North Yorkshire in the last two years as part of the Shared Rural Network, providing a boost to coverage in the county.

February 19, 2024

Live Better Connected Podcast: Why Is 5G Technology A Gamechanger For UK Ports?

In the next iteration of the Live Better Connected podast series, Gareth speaks with Ericsson and BT about how they helped the Port Of Tyne to fulfill its ambition to become a smart 5G port.

February 14, 2024

SRN Update: Vodafone Provides An Insight Into The Challenges Of Rolling Out Improved 4G Signal As Part Of The Shared Rural Network

Placing a new mobile mast is never a simple task. It can take months – even years – of planning and work. Read Vodafone's insight into the rollout of the SRN.

February 13, 2024

SRN Update: Virgin Media O2 Delivers Its 100th Shared Rural Network Site

Virgin Media O2 has hit a major milestone after it rolled out reliable 4G coverage across 100 rural sites as part of its commitment to the £1bn Shared Rural Network programme

February 12, 2024

STOP! THINK FRAUD: UK Government launches a brand-new campaign against fraud

Fraud is the most common crime in the UK, accounting for almost 40% of all crime in England and Wales. In just one year, 1 in 17 adults in England and Wales were victims of fraud (that’s almost 3 million people).

February 6, 2024

Safer Internet Day: How to Keep Our Kids Safe in the Digital World?

Today marks Safer Internet Day, an annual celebration aimed at raising awareness of the importance of having a safer and better internet for everyone, especially children and young people.

February 2, 2024

New Report Reveals Local Authority Connectivity Priorities For 2024 And Reveals Continuing Lack 5G Prioritisation

A new report, published by FarrPoint, looks into the digital connectivities of councils across the UK. The report finds awaress of switch off strategies is high but finds a lack of prioritisation for 5G. Read more here.

January 29, 2024

The 3G Switch Off: What Does It Mean ?

UK mobile network operators are switching off their 3G UK networks as part of a broader strategy to enhance and future-proof mobile services across the UK. Read here for more information.

January 22, 2024

Live Better Connected Podcast: How Can We Narrow The Digital Divide?

In the next episode to the Live Better Connected podcast we are thrilled to speak with Helen Milner OBE, the Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, where we discuss digital exclusion and collaboration with mobile companies to mitigate its impact.

January 17, 2024

Big Energy Saving Week 2024: How 5G Will Supercharge Utilities And Energy

During Big Energy Saving Week we showcase the power of 5G to power the energy grids of the future and to reduce usage and emissions.

January 16, 2024

SRN Update: EE Completes First Stage Of Shared Rural Network

EE completes first stage of its committments of the Shared Rural Network expanding its coverage by a further 10,000km, equivalent to 26 times greater than the Isle of Wight.

January 8, 2024

SRN Programme Update

Progress on the Shared Rural Network continues across all elements of the programme.

December 22, 2023

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year

ishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Mobile UK.

December 20, 2023

Live Better Connected Podcast: Looking back on 2023 & Bloopers

As 2023 draws to a close we decided to take a look back at our Live Better Podcast and the fascinating and interested guests we met. And as its Christmas we have also included some bloopers for your enjoyment.

December 18, 2023

We Wish You A Connected Christmas

Merru Christmas. In the run up to the holidays have you thought about how connected you are and will be. Check out our guide here.

December 14, 2023

Planning – The Single Point of Failure?

The Government is prioritising growth yet our Director of Policy, Gareth Elliott, asks whether the planning system is the single point of failure that stands in the way of major infrastructure investment.

December 12, 2023

New Report: The Value of Telecoms Services In The UK (2023)

A new report from Assembly Research considers the relative value for money consumers ireceive from fixed and mobile services.

December 6, 2023

LBC Podcast Update: What Does Mobile Connectivity Mean For Local Authorities?

The Live Better Connected podcast series welcomes the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Digital Champion, Cllr Mark Hawthorne to discuss how mobile is essential to local authorities across the country.

December 4, 2023

2024 Forecast: Predictions And Outlook For The Mobile Industry For A New Year

As 2023 draws to a close we have asked several leading industry figures to offer their predictions and outlook for 2024. Read more here.

November 20, 2023

Immersive Learning in Primary Schools: Unlocking New Experiences with 5G Mobile Technology

The latest Live Better Connected podcast episode explores mobile connectivity in education welcoming Cadoxton Primary School Teacher, Hannah Cogbill-Davies.

November 16, 2023

UK Government To Provide £36 Million 5G Connectivity Boost for Public Services, Transport and Creative Industries

Ten regions spanning from Glasgow to the West Midlands in the UK are set to benefit from a £36 million fund aimed at expediting innovation driven by 5G technology.

November 15, 2023

Virgin Media O2 Launches ‘Crafty Lager 7726’ To Banish Scam-barressment And Get People Talking About Fraud

To coincide with International Fraud Awareness Week (12 – 18 November), Virgin Media O2 has teamed up with actor and documentary maker, Ross Kemp, to launch Crafty Lager 7726 – a new limited-edition fraud-fighting beer created to get the nation talking about scams.

November 8, 2023

Ofcom Sets Out Design for mmWave Spectrum Auction

Ofcom is has officially set out the design of the auction for awarding licences for millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum.

November 6, 2023

Could You Go 24 Hours Without Mobile Connectivity?

To showcase how we use mobile connectivity we challenged Iain Morris, news editor at industry publication Light Reading, to see if he could get through 24 hours without mobile connectivity.

November 3, 2023

GUEST BLOG: Bad Wi-Fi And Smombie Envy: Iain Morris of LightReading Tries A Day Without A Mobile

Mobile UK challenged Iain Morris, of LightReading, to spend 24 hours without a SIM in his phone. Read here how he got along.

October 31, 2023

Mobile UK Welcomes Updated Guidance From the NCSC Ensuring Best Practice To Build Effectiveness And Trust When Using SMS and Telephone Messaging

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has updated its guidance designed to ensure that organisation's SMS and telephone messages are effective and trustworthy.

October 27, 2023

Mobile UK responds to Ofcom’s updated Net Neutrality guidance

26 October 2023: Mobile UK, the trade association for the UK’s four mobile network operators welcomes the updated Ofcom guidance on net neutrality, published today, but urges further action to assure equal access for all.

October 25, 2023

EE Brings 4G Mobile Coverage Boost To Rural Communities Across Northern Ireland

Residents and businesses across Northern Ireland are set to benefit from improved 4G mobile coverage following a series of network upgrades from EE.

October 23, 2023

Gareth Elliott Joins The Infrastructure Podcast To Discuss How We Live Better Connected.

Our Director of Policy and Communications, Gareth Elliott, features in The Infrastructure Podcast with Antony Oliver, where he discusses how and why we live better when we are connected.

October 20, 2023

GUEST BLOG: Dedicated Telecoms Unit Works With Industry To Attract And Accelerate Digital Infrastructure Investment In Glasgow

Guest blog by Anne McLister, Head of Digital Economy, Glasgow City Council #LocalDigitalIndex (Replicated with permission from Tech UK)

October 19, 2023

Mobile Infrastructure Forum Launched to Support Delivery of World-Class Mobile Infrastructure Throughout the UK

The Mobile Infrastructure Forum (‘MIF’) launches today, bringing together the interests of four key shared mobile infrastructure organisations in the UK (Cellnex UK, Cornerstone, MBNL and Wireless Infrastructure Group).

October 18, 2023

National Infrastructure Assessment 2 Mirrors Mobile UK’s Call for Digital Champions To Assist 5G Deployment

The National Infrastructure Commission launched its second National Infrastructure Assessment mirroring calls by Mobile UK for the Government to establish and provide funding for digital champions across the country.

October 17, 2023

Mobile Industry Join Meeting With The London Mayor And Metropolitan Police Commission To Discuss Mobile Phone Theft

The mobile industry, the Mayor of London and Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Servic meets to discuss mobile phone theft across the capital.

October 16, 2023

Good Things Foundation Launches Get Online Week

This week (16th Oct – 22nd October), UK Charity the Good Things Foundation launchedsits annual digital inclusion campaign, Get Online Week.

October 11, 2023

How Mobile Technology Has Helped Big Issue Vendors Bounce Back Since The Covid-19 Pandemic.

In the fifth episode of the Live Better Connected podcast, Mobile UK welcomes the well-known social enterprise, the Big Issue Group.

September 25, 2023

EE Annnounces Its 3G Switch Off Timeline

EE has confirmed that its nationwide 3G switch off will begin in January 2024 and aims to complete it by March.

September 21, 2023

Connected Britain 2023 - Mobile UK Provides Insight and Analysis Into The Mobile World

Mobile UK has been ever present at this year's Connected Britain event held at London's eXcel conference centre.

September 20, 2023

National Fitness Day: How Wearable Technology Is Helping Us Manage Our Fitness and Wellbeing

20th September 2023 marks National Fitness Day, a UK awareness day to encourage people of all ages, and abilities to experience the power of fitness through different physical activities. This year’s theme is ‘Your Health is for Life’.

September 14, 2023

Mobile Network Operators Agree OpenRAN MoU With UK Government

Mobile networks operators agree Memorandum of UNderstanding with the UK Government to increase traffic through open and interoperable Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies by 2030.

September 13, 2023

Mobile UK To Discuss The UK’s Digital Divide With Policy Leaders At Connected Britain 2023

Mobile UK's Chief Executive, Hamish MacLeod, and Director of Policy and Communications, Gareth Elliott, will be taking part in this year's Connected Britain - get your tickets.

September 11, 2023

Virgin Media O2 To Begin Switching Off 3G In 2025 With Enhanced Customer Experience As Network Evolves

Virgin Media O2 has confirmed that it will begin switching off 3G services in 2025 to allow the company to focus on upgrading faster, more reliable and energy-efficient 4G and 5G networks to improve services for customers.

September 4, 2023

Industry News: Ten things you didn’t know about Vodafone 4G

Vodafone recently celebrated the tenth anniversary of its 4G network. To mark the occasion the company has provided a look back over the last decade by revealing ten fascinating things you may not know about its 4G network.

August 30, 2023

Live Better Connected Podcast With LiveU: How Mobile Is Revolutionising Broadcasting

Mobile UK met with Steve Wind-Mozley, Chief Marketing Officer at LiveU, a broadcast technology company at the forefront of live video transmission and streaming via mobile connectivity.

August 21, 2023

Industry Advice: Actions To Take To Deter And Minimise Mobile Phone Theft

Mobile UK and its member operators provide advice and actions to take to deter and minimise mobile phone theft

August 14, 2023

Industry Leader And Author, Ineke Botter, Joins The Live Better Connected Podcast

The latest Live Better Connected podcast features telecommunications leader and book author, Ineke Botter as she offers some fascinating insights into experiences into her career.

August 7, 2023

Mobile UK Launches New Educational Tool To Challenge Thinking Around The Role Of Mobile Connectivity In Our Daily Lives.

Did you know mobile connectivity is so embedded in our day-to-day lives that it is often overlooked completely? To shine a light we have created a fun and easy to use ‘Interactive Landscape’.

August 7, 2023

Three Builds 100th Shared Rural Network Site, Transforming Coverage Across The UK

Three UK has completed the construction of 100 sites as part of the UK’s Shared Rural Network (SRN). Today’s milestone will transform connectivity for residents and businesses across the UK

August 1, 2023

UK Government Launches £40 Million Fund To Unlock 5G Benefits Across The UK

Local areas across the UK will be helped to boost their digital connectivity following the launch of a new UK Government £40 million regional 5G innovation fund.

August 1, 2023

VMO2: The Great Rural Revival: Improved Rural Connectivity Worth £65bn In New Growth For UK Economy

Improved rural connectivity could boost the UK economy by £65.1 billion, new economic modelling from the Cebr for Virgin Media O2 has found.

July 27, 2023

Vodafone: Parish Churches Come To The Fore In The Fight Against Mobile Not-Spots

Vodafone, Net CS and The Church of England join together to roll out 11 church-based mobile sites using innovative OpenRAN technologies.

July 20, 2023

New Study Proves That Investing In Rural Mobile Connectivity Brings Significant Economic, Social And Environmental Benefits

New study by FarrPoint has revealed that the installation of a new 4G mobile mast near Achiltibuie in the Scottish Highlands has had significant benefits for the local area.

July 19, 2023

NEW: Live Better Connected Podcast Series Launched – Introduction With Mobile UK’s Gareth Elliott

Mobile UK launches a new podcast series inviting guests to discuss thought provoking use cases involving mobile connectivity. In this episode Mobile UK's Gareth Elliott discusses the campaign with Purplefish MD, Joanna Randall.

July 18, 2023

Mobile UK Summer Parliamentary Reception Marks the launch of the Live Better Connected Campaign

Mobile UK's summer parliamentary reception took place this week with the Minister of State Digital Infrastructure and industry leaders.

July 17, 2023

Mobile UK Launches ‘Live Better Connected’ Campaign to Raise Awareness of how Mobile Connectivity Improves Lives

Mobile UK launches ‘Live Better Connected’, a brand-new campaign designed to build awareness about how individuals and society as a whole rely on mobile connectivity.

July 5, 2023

Net Neutrality Podcast: Does Net Neutrality Harm Consumers and Limit Innovation? In Conversation With Roslyn Layton, Strand Consult

What is Net Neutrality? Does Net Neutrality Harm Consumers and Limit Innovation? We ask the key questions as we speak to Roslyn Layton from Strand Consult as part of the Live Better Connected podcast series.

July 3, 2023

Mobile UK’s Digital Champions Campaign Shortlisted For The Mobile Industry Awards 2023

Mobile UK has been announced for 'Campaign of the Year' for its Digital Champions campaign at this year's Mobile Industry Awards.

June 28, 2023

Digital Leaders Week Webinar - Why Mobile Connectivity Should Be At The Heart Of Digital Inclusion

At Digital Leaders Week our Director of Policy and Communications, Gareth Elliott, was joined by Beena Puri, Innovation and Partnerships Lead at Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and Hannah Whelan from The Good Things Foundation in a webinar session to discuss digital inclusion.

June 19, 2023

Mobile UK Publishes Landmark Report On The Role Of Mobile Connectivity In Tackling The Digital Divide

Mobile UK's newest report 'From Exclusion to Inclusion' highlights the growing importance of mobile connectivity in the debate about digital inclusions and the need for better Government policy.

June 13, 2023

Mobile UK To Host Digital Inclusion Webinar At Digital Leaders Week

As part of Digital Leaders Week Mobile UK will be hosting a webinar entitled ‘Why Mobile Connectivity Should Be At The Heart Of Digital Inclusion’.

June 5, 2023

World Environment Day: UK Mobile Operators Step Up To Help #BeatPlasticPollution

World Environment Day 2023 is carrying the strapline #BeatPlasticPollution, and the UK’s mobile network operators continue to support this end goal through numerous recycling and circular economy aligned initiatives.

May 31, 2023

Mobile UK Launches New Infographic To Showcase How Mobile Operators Are Supporting Digital Inclusion

Mobile UK publishes new infographic which outlines the iniatives mobile network opearators have in place to support digital inlcusion.

May 22, 2023

Mobile UK Calls On Newly Elected Councillors In Northern Ireland To Prioritise Digital Strategies And Support The Mobile Action Plan

Mobile UK is calling for all newly elected local councillors in in Northern Ireland to put digital policy and connectivity strategies high on their agenda as they start their new terms.

May 17, 2023

Mobile UK Marks World Telecommunication And Information Society Day (WTISD)

This year’s WTISD theme is: “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.” Mobile UK’s is focused on raising awareness of digital inclusion in the UK, promoting access to mobile networks and facilitating communications for all.

May 15, 2023

Virgin Media O2’s Shared Rural Network Rollout Reaches 50th Site In Connectivity Boost For Rural Communities

Virgin Media O2 has rolled out reliable 4G coverage across 50 rural sites as part of its commitment to the £1bn Shared Rural Network programme

May 9, 2023

New Study Finds 80% of Brits Are Satisfied With 5G Mobile Performance

A study by Green Smartphones found that 80% of respondents to its recent poll are satisfied with the speeds and coverage offered by their 5G service.

May 5, 2023

Mobile UK Calls On Newly Elected Councillors To Prioritise Digital Strategies

Mobile UK is calling for all newly elected local councillors to put digital policy and connectivity strategies for their localities high on their agenda as they start their new terms.

May 3, 2023

Scottish Residents And Businesses To Get Major 4G Boost Thanks To £75 Million Shared Rural Network Investment

People living and working in the Lockerbie area in Scotland are to benefit from significantly improved mobile phone connectivity as the first UK government-funded Shared Rural Network mast upgrade is completed.

April 27, 2023

Vodafone launches 5G Standalone Mobile Private Network solution

Vodafone launches 5G Standalone connectivity over its standardised Mobile Private Network solution to offer ultra-low latency, high availability connectivity to power businesses into the future.

April 20, 2023

Connected North: Digital Inclusion; no one left behind Panel

Gareth Elliott, Mobile UK's Director of Policy and Communications, hosted a panel looking at digital inclusion at this year's Connect North summit in Manchester. Read more here.

April 19, 2023

EE Brings 4G Connectivity To A Further 1,500 Rural Communities As Part Of The Shared Rural Network

EE has expanded its mobile network to deliver fast and reliable 4G connectivity to a further 1,500 remote countryside communities across the UK, including Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.

April 12, 2023

Suffolk Chamber Survey: 5G Is Critical, Raises Questions About Business Awareness

A new survey from the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has identified how vital mobile connectivity is to businesses but the results also highlighted a concerning lack of awareness about exploiting these technologies, raising worries that some businesses could get left behind.

April 11, 2023

Mobile UK Welcomes The Publication Of The Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy

Mobile UK welcomes the Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, which recognises the challenges faced by operators in rolling out full 5G. We are encouraged by the commitment to ensure net neutrality regulations are fit for purpose, a role for public investment in 5G, and a call to Ofcom to re

April 4, 2023

The voice of the United Kingdom’s mobile network operators.