A new government-backed 4G mast has been switched on to improve connectivity in some of North Yorkshire's most remote communities.
The upgrade, part of the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN) scheme, aims to improve mobile coverage in rural areas and bring all four major networks—EE, Three, VMO2, and Vodafone—to areas that previously had limited service.
The latest mast, now live near Hawes in North Yorkshire, is delivering improved coverage to surrounding villages including Hardraw, Appersett, Snaizeholme, and Sedbusk, as well as parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Ben Roome, chief executive of Mova, said: "I am delighted that locals and visitors can celebrate Yorkshire Day with enhanced outdoor 4G mobile connectivity from all of the mobile network operators for the first time.
"The masts, delivered by the Shared Rural Network, in Yorkshire bring connectivity to residents, businesses, and anyone passing through.
"Thanks to the Shared Rural Network, not-spots are shrinking, connections are growing, and more coverage is on its way."
The SRN programme, launched in 2020, is a partnership between the UK Government and mobile network operators to tackle mobile "not-spots"—areas with little or no coverage.
Across the UK, 58 masts are now live under the scheme.
In Yorkshire, the programme has already brought improved 4G coverage to parts of the North York Moors National Park and surrounding communities, and it now covers more than 494,000 metres of roads in the region.
Chris Bryant MP, UK minister for telecoms, said: "Visitors to the Dales this Yorkshire Day will now enjoy better mobile signal thanks to the Government’s continued drive to boost connectivity in rural areas.
"The rollout of the Shared Rural Network means walkers can navigate more easily and access information on the go, while local businesses can benefit from being better connected, and emergency services can provide support more quickly when needed.
"This is connectivity that breaks down digital barriers and unlocks economic potential in Yorkshire's world-class beauty spots – all of which boosts our Plan for Change."
The upgrades have been delivered through improvements to existing masts that previously only served EE customers and emergency calls, avoiding the need for new infrastructure.
Nationally, the SRN has extended 4G coverage from all four operators to an additional 34,000 square kilometres, including 280,000 premises and 16,000km of roads.
The UK Government has invested £184 million in the scheme, with mobile operators contributing more than £500 million.
