Mobile operators are investing heavily in their networks to improve and enhance coverage and capacity across the country. However, in some areas of the country, due to reasons of geography, population sparsity, the availability of power or fibre back-haul, or simply a lack of suitable sites, the economic viability of installing mobile infrastructure is challenging.

Mobile UK welcomes the innovative approach taken by North Yorkshire County Council and the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership to invest £1m in new mobile infrastructure and build new relationships with the four major mobile operators.

Gareth Elliott, Head of Policy and Communications said:

“Extending mobile coverage in the hardest to reach areas of the country is a challenging task due to several factors. We welcome innovative partnerships, such as the announcement by North Yorkshire County Council and the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership, which work towards making infrastructure deployment easier and more cost-effective.”

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. North Yorkshire County Council press release can be found here.
3. Details of Mobile UK's round table with North Yorkshire in March 2018 can be found here.