Conservative Culture Minister Sajid Javid MP has today announced a major new deal with the four mobile networks to improve mobile coverage across rural areas of the UK, including areas in Mid-Scotland and Fife.
The Conservative led UK Government has negotiated a legally binding deal with providers EE, O2, Three and Vodafone which will see 90% of the UK enjoy guaranteed voice and text coverage by 2017.
Under the deal, all 4 providers have agreed to a £5bn investment programme by 2017, with a focus on rural coverage. Full coverage will increase from 69% currently, to 85% by 2014.
The deal, which involves no cash payments by the Government, will be legally enforceable by Ofcom.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This news will make a real difference to residents and businesses in rural parts of Perth and Kinross, Fife and Stirling. It will see an improvement in coverage across rural areas, with the vast majority of areas getting phone and text signal.
“The UK Government is taking real action to improve mobile phone signal and has made it clear it will not stand by and let poor coverage continue to blight rural areas. This £5bn of extra money will make a real difference.
“The Scottish Government needs to consider what it can do to improve mobile signal. It could be providing investment itself and is able to take action such as relaxing planning laws to make it easier for signal masts to be put up.”
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid MP said:
“I am pleased to have secured a legally binding deal with the four mobile networks. Too many parts of the UK regularly suffer from poor mobile coverage leaving them unable to make calls or send texts.
“Government and businesses have been clear about the importance of mobile connectivity, and improved coverage, so this legally binding agreement will give the UK the world-class mobile phone coverage it needs and deserves. The £5bn investment from the mobile networks in the UK’s infrastructure will help drive this Government’s long-term economic plan.”