(Alliance News) - Vodafone Group PLC said on Friday it has agreed a new industry-wide scheme to make 4G connections available to 95% of the UK landmass by 2025.
The Newbury and London-headquartered telecommunications firm said that, with the support of the UK government, it will work together with other mobile operators to create a Shared Rural Network, ensuring that UK customers and businesses receive a wider choice of providers in remote areas.
In an "unprecedented move", mobile phone operators will work together to share existing mobile masts and build new ones, Vodafone said. The company added that this agreement will make the UK one of the best countries for geographic mobile coverage in Europe.
Vodafone also said that it will look to make as many sites as possible 5G, the fifth generation cellular technology, ready. The firm added it will also "bring 5G supported by full fibre to rural communities across the UK".
Nick Jeffery, chef executive, said: “There is no other scheme like this in the world. It will spell an end to annoying mobile ‘not spots’ for hundreds of thousands of people living, working and travelling in the more remote parts of the UK."
"By working together, we will deliver better coverage while offering more choice for consumers and businesses using far fewer masts," Jeffery said.
Vodafone shares were down 0.5% in London at 160.36 pence each on Friday morning.
By Loreta Juodagalvyte; loretajuodagalvyte@alliancenews.com
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