- New mobile infrastructure improves signal strength in remote valleys of North Yorkshire
- Shared Rural Network initiative receives government and industry backing to expand UK-wide mobile coverage
What happened: 4G mast goes live in Coverdale
The UK government has launched its first public-funded 4G mast upgrade in North Yorkshire under the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programmer. The new infrastructure, installed in Coverdale in the Yorkshire Dales, was funded through a £1 billion joint investment by the government and mobile operators, aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas.
The upgraded mast is operated by Vodafone and now delivers 4G coverage to a previously underserved valley. The SRN project was introduced in 2020 to close mobile signal gaps, particularly in hard-to-reach locations. The Coverdale upgrade represents the first government-delivered component of the project to go live. Other network operators, including EE, Three, and Virgin Media O2, are also taking part by upgrading their infrastructure across the country.According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the SRN will bring reliable 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass by the end of 2025.
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Why it’s important
This upgrade signals a significant shift in addressing the UK’s digital divide, especially for rural communities that have long suffered from weak or non-existent mobile signals. Poor connectivity limits economic development, emergency response, and public services in remote areas. By enhancing 4G coverage, residents in Coverdale and similar regions gain access to reliable communication for work, health services, and transport safety.
The intervention also underscores growing policy attention to rural digital infrastructure. Organizations like the Countryside Alliance and NFU have repeatedly stressed the need for equitable digital access, arguing that farming, tourism, and small businesses are disadvantaged without it.
However, concerns remain about the pace of the rollout. According to Ofcom, thousands of rural locations still lack sufficient mobile coverage, especially for voice and data combined. While the SRN is expected to reduce “partial not-spots,” the need for long-term accountability and progress tracking remains high.
