Tourists, hikers, and rural residents across the UK are now enjoying significantly improved mobile coverage, thanks to a major government-led upgrade that has transformed mobile masts across remote regions into multi-network sites, covering a total area larger than 66,000 football pitches.
The UK Government, in partnership with mobile network operators through the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, has upgraded more than 50 existing masts that previously only supported EE or emergency 999 calls, enabling them to now serve customers on all major UK networks.
Coverage Across Iconic Natural Landscapes
The upgraded masts now provide fast and reliable 4G coverage across many of the UK’s most treasured Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks, including:
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Snowdonia
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Lake District
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Shropshire Hills
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Berwyn Mountains
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Brecon Beacons
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Clwydian Range and Dee Valley
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Parts of the Southern Upland Way
A Leap Forward for Safety and Tourism
The expansion ensures better signal for tourists, enabling access to live weather updates, route planning, and emergency calls in remote areas. Local businesses and communities are also set to benefit from enhanced digital inclusion and economic growth as outlined in the UK Government’s Plan for Change.
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:
“This is a major step forward in levelling up digital connectivity. No part of the UK should be left behind. Whether it’s for safety, tourism, or business growth, this upgrade supports our mission to unlock the potential of our rural regions.”
Wales Leads in Connectivity Gains
Wales has seen the most significant improvement, with upgraded coverage now reaching remote communities in Upper Chapel, the Brecon Beacons, and Clwydian Range, helping to close long-standing mobile signal gaps.
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, said:
“Thanks to collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded sites are now delivering on the promise of rural connectivity. We’re closing the mobile coverage gap and helping communities thrive.”
The masts upgrade follows an earlier industry-led target, which saw UK-wide coverage from all four operators grow from 66% to 81%—an increase equivalent to the combined size of Wales and Northern Ireland.
What’s Next?
The UK Government has confirmed 50 more sites across England, Wales and Scotland are earmarked for upgrades by March 2026, further cementing progress toward nationwide mobile inclusivity.
Meta Title: UK Countryside Gets Massive Mobile Signal Boost Covering 66,000 Football Pitches
Meta Description: The UK Government upgrades 50+ mobile masts across rural Britain, boosting 4G coverage in national parks and AONBs. Tourists and locals now enjoy improved signal.
Focus Keywords: rural mobile coverage UK, Shared Rural Network, UK mast upgrades 2025, mobile signal national parks, government digital connectivity
Tags: Shared Rural Network, DSIT, Mobile Coverage, 4G, National Parks, UK Infrastructure, Telecoms, Countryside Connectivity, Wales Signal Boost, Government Plan for Change, Ben Roome, Sir Chris Bryant
Let me know if you’d like an infographic summarizing the regions covered or a version adapted for social media platforms.
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