“It is important our communities are not cut off from the digital age, and the £1 billion Shared Rural Network deal is good news for our communities, especially in rural areas."
Responding to the Government’s announcement of a £1 billion Shared Rural Network deal to boost mobile coverage across the country, the LGA’s Digital spokesman, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, said:
“It is important our communities are not cut off from the digital age, and the £1 billion Shared Rural Network deal is good news for our communities, especially in rural areas.
“Digital connectivity is central to thriving communities - with millions of people relying on mobile coverage every day, including businesses and our most vulnerable.
“Councils are best-placed to understand the digital needs of their areas and ensure that local policy, such as planning and highways regulation, is streamlined to help improve connectivity. It is vital that mobile network operators and the Government now work with councils to deliver their ambitious programme.
"Councils also want to work with Ofcom to ensure mobile coverage is accurate, up-to-date and reflects consumer experience. Without an accurate picture of outdoor mobile coverage on the ground, the Government and Ofcom will be unable to hold mobile network operators to account to meet this pledge."
Notes to editor
- For more information, see our Future of Non-Metropolitan England report.