Stuart Anderson MP’s campaign to improve mobile connectivity in South Shropshire has received a “welcome boost” from the government. Over 50 masts across England, including in the Shropshire Hills, have received upgrades.
Initially only used to connect EE customers and those dialling 999, masts in the Shropshire Hills now provide coverage from all mobile network operators. This helps hikers to plan routes and receive live weather updates - thanks to fast and reliable 4G networks.
The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network, initiated by the last government and delivered by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Signed in March 2020, the deal has seen the Government and UK’s mobile network operators (MNOs; EE, Three, VMO2, and Vodafone) jointly invest over £1 billion to increase outdoor 4G mobile coverage.
In January, Stuart called on Ministers to accelerate work to ensure all of South Shropshire receives better mobile coverage as soon as possible. It followed his survey on cellular network coverage, in which more than half said that their mobile data connection was “very unreliable.”
Stuart has now welcomed the upgrades, announced on 28th May 2025, as part of his plan to tackle mobile 'not-spots'. He seeks to unleash rural prosperity through unlocking the economic growth that increased connectivity brings to local communities.
However, Stuart has expressed concerns that the government has confirmed that it has “no plans to allocate additional funding beyond this.” Stuart added that Ministers must continue to invest in mobile connectivity in rural areas so that they can continue to enjoy the benefits it brings.
In August last year, Streetwave surveyed mobile phone coverage in Shropshire based on actual on-street measurements. This allows people to see the signal strength that EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 offer within a 30m radius outside of their homes/businesses.
On 13th May, Ofcom revealed that it will launch an improved online coverage checker in the second half of June. This will show coverage within a 30m radius, rather than the previous 100m radius. It means residents across the country will be able to search by postcode and provider.
Ofcom Chief Executive Dame Melanie Dawes said crowdsourced data will be used to "reflect the signal now needed to support services people often want to use over their mobile signal such as video streaming and downloading of video-rich content."
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“In January, I urged Ministers to ensure all of South Shropshire receives better mobile coverage as soon as possible. This followed my cellular network survey, where more than half of residents reported very unreliable mobile connection. I am glad that Ministers have listened to these concerns and delivered upgrades to these masts in the Shropshire Hills. A new and improved online coverage checker is also expected to launch in June. Yet, it is disappointing that they have not confirmed additional funding for mobile connectivity. It is vital for both social integration and economic growth. So, I will continue to push for more investment in rural areas like ours."
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:
“The growth potential of our areas of outstanding natural beauty must not be stunted by patchy internet. This milestone is a major step forward for better connectivity for all corners of the UK meaning everyone can reap the benefits of the digital age. From boosting tourism and business opportunities to providing safer outdoors experiences for visitors to our treasured countryside.”
The MNOs set up a joint venture, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, to run the Shared Rural Network (SRN). A dedicated websiteprovides information, answers to questions, and progress updates.
