The Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative has significantly enhanced mobile coverage from all four of the UK’s mobile network operators (MNOs) in Pembrokeshire, increasing it to an impressive 84%, according to the latest data from Ofcom’s Connected Nations 2024 report.
The SRN, a collaborative effort between the UK Government and the mobile network operators, aims to extend mobile coverage across rural areas, ensuring that communities and businesses have access to reliable mobile connectivity. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to improve digital infrastructure and bridge the connectivity gap between urban and rural areas.
The recent Ofcom Connected Nations report highlights the substantial progress made in Pembrokeshire, where mobile coverage from all four MNOs has seen a marked improvement from 67% to 84% coverage, providing more choice and value for customers. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the SRN since going live in June 2024 and by delivering on its promise to enhance connectivity in rural parts of the UK. This equates to 106 more square miles of 4G coverage, with coverage from one MNO also improving from 97% to 99%. This decreases the areas within the county with no coverage at all from 3% to 1%.
Cllr. Paul Miller from Pembrokeshire County Council said:
“This is a positive boost for our rural communities, where deploying digital infrastructure can be extremely challenging. Having decent network coverage means that people can work, live and thrive in today’s digital society instead of being left behind.”
The SRN’s success in Pembrokeshire is part of a nationwide effort to provide good quality data and voice coverage to 88% of the UK’s landmass by June 2024 and 90% by January 2027. This initiative is expected to bring substantial economic and social benefits to rural areas, fostering greater connectivity and supporting local economies.
For more information on mobile connectivity in your area, you can get in touch with Pembrokeshire’s Digital Champions. Funded by Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme, the Digital Champions are continuing to work closely with MNOs and their partners to ensure that rural communities are given access to the mobile coverage they need to stay connected.
