Plans to improve rural 4G connectivity must pass four tests if they are to deliver real benefits to rural communities, according to several campaign groups.

The Yorkshire Post and other publications such as Open Access Government and the Farmers’ Guardian cover the news that several campaign groups have written to Government about draft proposals from major mobile phone companies. The proposals suggest a single rural network which would see operators sharing masts on a reciprocal basis and forming a new company to build joint masts in rural areas.

However, the Country Land and Business Association, the National Farmers Union, Rural Services Network and Which? are concerned because the plans are not legally binding and say that even if they are delivered, there would only be 95 per cent 4G coverage by 2026 – four years later than committed to by the Government in its manifesto.

The groups sent an open letter to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport calling for the proposals to include legal obligations and for Ofcom to implement robust monitoring arrangements to make sure network operators deliver on their pledges.

Full articles:

→ Yorkshire Post - Groups demand firm guarantees over improved rural 4G connectivity

→ ISPreview - Rural UK Landowners Seek Guarantees in Rural 4G Mobile Rollout

→ Open Access Government - Solving Britain’s “rural vs urban” broadband connectivity divide

→ Farmers Guardian - Calls for legal obligations on rural 4G after 95% roll-out pushed back

→ CLA - Rural 4G proposals need guarantees for consumers and businesses

→ RSN - Rural 4G proposals need guarantees for consumers and businesses