Vodafone has confirmed it has reached its Partial Not Spot (PNS) coverage target as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, underlining its dedication to rural communities across the UK as The Nation’s Network.
Through the SRN programme, Vodafone has successfully introduced 4G to over 400 rural locations. This has expanded its robust and reliable coverage to more than 17,000 square kilometres of the UK, an area larger than Yorkshire. The SRN programme is a £1 billion joint initiative between the UK government and its four mobile network operators (MNOs) striving to bring 4G coverage in rural parts of the UK.
Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer, Vodafone UK, commented: “At Vodafone, we’ve always been vocal in our belief that a rural postcode should not be a barrier to connectivity. And, as The Nation’s Network, our mission is to make sure no part of the UK is left behind.
“This is why we continue to invest millions in our rural network, so that customers living, working and visiting rural locations will benefit from a strong voice signal and fast data speeds. The SRN is a world-first partnership between Government and mobile operators, and this is a major milestone for Vodafone, achieved through teamwork, passion, creative delivery and determination, and I’m honoured to lead this incredible team.”
Vodafone has always championed the idea that a rural postcode should not restrict connectivity, investing millions in its rural network to ensure robust service. This initiative is part of Vodafone’s broader network modernisation programme, which has achieved 99% 4G coverage of UK premises and facilitated the recent retirement of its 3G network, reallocating 3G’s radio frequencies to enhance 4G and 5G services.
Additional efforts include deploying innovative mast technologies, such as OpenRAN, to extend coverage to more rural and remote areas across the UK.
As society increasingly depends on connectivity, Vodafone aims to continue investing in its network through SRN and other rural initiatives, ensuring customers in remote areas benefit from reliable connections. The proposed merger with Three UK is expected to enable Vodafone to deliver 5G Standalone to 95% of the UK by 2034.
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