Mobile coverage is improving in rural Somerset thanks to new 4G upgrades.
A mast under the government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme has been activated at Surridge Farm in Skilgate, near Taunton, bringing improved connectivity to the Tiverton and Minehead constituency.
The project is part of a £184m government investment to upgrade emergency service network masts and extend 4G coverage to remote areas.
Rachel Gilmour, the constituency's Liberal Democrat MP, said: "I am very happy with the response I have received from the minister of state, and the efforts to better connectivity across Tiverton and Minehead.
"Reliable broadband and mobile coverage are essential for our rural and coastal communities for households, businesses, and service providers.
"Without them, many people are essentially left behind."
Originally designed to support emergency services and ensure the public could make 999 calls in areas with no existing signal, the upgraded mast now supports wider public use.
Previously, EE customers experienced limited coverage from the mast, but it now provides coverage for other mobile network operators, such as Three and Vodafone.
This upgrade ensures that residents and visitors can benefit from improved mobile connectivity, regardless of their network provider.
Ms Gilmour said: "While this progress is welcome, there is still more work to do to ensure that no community is left behind.
"I will continue working with the government, network providers and local stakeholders to push for improved digital infrastructure, particularly in those areas that continue to experience poor coverage.
"Better connectivity is vital for the long-term growth and prosperity of Tiverton and Minehead, and I will continue championing their needs to ensure rural communities receive the investment they deserve."
The Skilgate mast is the fourth of its kind to be upgraded in the area as part of the SRN programme.
A total of 165 masts have been upgraded across Britain to date.
Ms Gilmour has previously raised the issue of rural broadband and mobile coverage with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in Parliament, calling for clear plans to address connectivity shortfalls.
She has also held ongoing discussions with NETCS to advocate for improved services in some of the constituency’s most poorly connected areas.
