On Air Now Non Stop Music Midnight - 7:00am Harry Styles - Late Night Talking Schedule

EE To Upgrade 4G Network On The Isle Of Wight

EE is upgrading several 4G sites on the Isle of Wight in 2021 as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative to extend coverage in rural areas across the UK.

SRN is a programme between the UK’s four mobile network operators and the UK Government to extend 4G coverage to 95 per cent of the UK’s geography by the middle of this decade.

The upgrades announced today fall under the first phase of the Shared Rural Network, where EE will invest to significantly reduce ‘partial not-spots’ by 2024.

EE has already upgraded its 4G network in 25 locations across England since the SRN deal was signed in March 2020 to bring improved connectivity to each nation.

Locations to be upgraded on the Isle of Wight in 2021 include:

  • A3056, Blackwater, Isle of Wight
  • Chillerton, Isle of Wight
  • Thorncross, Brighstone, Isle of Wight

Across the UK, a total of 579 locations are to benefit from the extended EE 4G coverage by the end of 2021 – 333 in England, 132 in Scotland, 76 in Wales, and 38 in Northern Ireland. All sites have been made available for other operators to share under the SRN scheme.

Mike McKinley, Chair of National Parks England, said:

“The extension, and introduction, of 4G coverage across more rural areas is welcome news for National Park communities and visitors, and will help meet increased demand for fast, reliable connectivity.

“Digital connectivity is a vital part of modern life, and this news will also benefit the residents of National Parks, many of whom currently live in isolated areas with no access to mobile coverage.

“As we look ahead to this summer 2021, National Parks is anticipating a large influx of visitors. These visitors will now have access to better and more reliable mobile coverage, giving them the opportunity to use important tools such as ‘SaferLakes’ which helps visitors enjoy these special landscapes, while ensuring they are protected for future generations.”

EE has extended its 4G network to cover areas with high summer demand, including beauty spots, national parks, coastal locations and roads.

More from Isle of Wight News

Recently Played