This article is a summary of BDUK's Shared Rural Network progress update policy paper. THe full version can be read here.

This month, Ofcom published its update on the compliance of the UK’s four mobile network operators with their Shared Rural Network coverage obligations. 

The update recognised the substantial improvements to mobile coverage across the UK that have been delivered under the Partial Not Spot (PNS) element of the programme, with keyhighlights including:

• 94.9% of the UK landmass now has coverage from at least one MNO
• “full” coverage areas have increased from 66% of the UK landmass at the start of 2020 to over 78% of the UK landmass today. At the same time the scale of partial not spots have reduced from approximately 25% of the UK in 2020 to approximately 17% of the UK in July 2024
• the MNOs have collectively provided around 3.5% new coverage in areas that were Total Not Spots in 2020in total, around 3 million 100x100m pixels (the equivalent of around 30,000 non-contiguous square kilometres)have gone from having no or partial coverage to full coverage across the 4 MNOs
• there are now many more locations where consumers have more choice. It also means there are many fewer rural locations with patchy or limited coverage than in 2020

Ofcom completed their analysis based on data submitted by MNOs on 30 June 2024, in line with the compliance requirements. Ofcom expects to publish a further update on their assessment later in the year once additional data submitted after this date has been analysed. 

Delivering PNS coverage obligations was a major milestone achieved through a huge amount of work from the MNO network delivery teams, their partners and suppliers. However, there is still lots to do on the Shared Rural Network as we move into the delivery phase of the publicly funded elements of the programme.

The process of enabling sharing of the Home Office Emergency Services Network’s Extended Area Service (EAS) masts is well underway, with 16 masts now live across the UK, the majority of which have brought new 4G connectivity to rural parts of Wales. Altogether, 206 masts have now entered Building Digital UK (BDUK) internal processes, with over 111 of those masts now in various stages of build for SRN upgrade, which will allow sites to provide commercial 4G coverage. Collaborative work continues between BDUK, the Home Office, DMSL and the MNOs to make more sites available.

On the Total Not Spot (TNS) element of theprogramme, DMSL and the operators continue working to refine the radio plan,with the aim of reducing the number of masts needed, whilst still achievingcoverage obligations. Working closely with the new Labour government has been akey priority for the programme and we are delighted with their continuedsupport for the SRN. Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir ChrisBryant, recently spoke at Connected Britain and confirmed the continuedambition from the Government to deliver increased connectivity to areas withoutcoverage.

A significant amount of work is being carried out on the categorisation process with key stakeholders across BDUK, MNOs and DMSL to collaboratively establish which masts will be most beneficial to all parties. Meanwhile, operators are continuing to submit planning applications, and work building the first publicly funded TNS mast began recently in East Gerinish in the Outer Hebrides, providing coverage for parts of both South and North Uist.

Collectively, across PNS, EAS and TNS we continue to see progress against programmes targets and goals. We are committed to delivering the best outcome for all and we would encourage anyone with any questions to contact us at info@srn.org.ukor visit the SRN website www.srn.org.uk for more information.

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