Stuart Anderson MP has backed a plan to boost broadband and mobile connectivity in Hopton Wafers, which is one of the many villages in South Shropshire and home to almost 800 residents.
An application (25/02953/TEL) has been submitted to Shropshire Council to install a telecommunications mast at Rochehead Farm with support from the landowner, Hopton Wafers Parish Council, and local residents.
The applicant, Atlas Tower Group (ATG) has been working with Parish Councils in South Shropshire to bring forward neutral host lattice masts in rural not-spots.
ATG rents the infrastructure to MNOs to improve indoor and outdoor mobile phone coverage. Parish Council Chairman Mark Humpage has enlisted Stuart's support for the application, which was submitted on 11th August 2025.
Stuart has said that the project would significantly improve broadband and mobile connectivity in the area including A4117 corridor, which links the market towns of Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow.
A Community Led Plan Review in 2021 cited inconsistent quality of broadband and mobile phone signal as a major issue and resolved to campaign for improvements.
Results from the recent 'Streetwave Drive' initiative show that mobile phone coverage in the area is poor across the networks operated by EE/Three, 02, and Vodafone.
The proposed mast would be shareable by all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), improving access for both businesses and residents irrespective of their provider. Stuart has contacted all MNOs to seek their support for the project.
Stuart has added that the project will also support the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme, which is being delivered by the Home Office in partnership with EE/BT.
The programme will give first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images, and information in live situations and emergencies on the frontline. It will also allow 999 calls to be made from any 4G-enabled mobile phone.
Stuart supports the project as part of his campaign to improve digital connectivity, after it emerged that South Shropshire is one of the worst connected constituencies in the country.
Recent research has shown that South Shropshire is in the bottom five in England and the bottom 15 across the UK for gigabit connection. Analysis adds that investment in digital infrastructure could unlock £66 billion in productivity by 2029.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"As part of my plan to unleash rural prosperity, I want everyone in South Shropshire to benefit from better mobile and broadband connectivity. In my cellular network survey, more than half of residents reported very unreliable mobile connection. I am delighted to back this exciting initiative from Hopton Wafers Parish Council and Atlas Tower Group, which has submitted an application to Shropshire Council to boost mobile and broadband connectivity in the village. The proposed mast would be shareable by all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), improving access for both businesses and residents irrespective of their provider. This will enable more people to take up employment or training opportunities and stay in contact with their loved ones. This would also unlock economic growth and prosperity. The project will also give first responders immediate access to life-saving data and allow 999 calls to be made from any 4G-enabled mobile phone.
Cllr Mark Humpage said:
"We are thrilled that Stuart Anderson MP supports our plan to boost broadband and mobile connectivity in Hopton Wafers. Our village has no coverage from any of the four network providers. This is not only inconvenient but could cost lives in the event of emergencies. Our most recent parish plan highlighted the lack of mobile signal as one of the area's biggest concerns. Councillors and residents overwhelmingly support this initiative, which we have worked on with Atlas Tower Group. The installation of a new mast would be a big step forward."
