- VodafoneThree says it has eliminated 16,500km2 of “non-spots” across the UK
- It promised to reach 99% 5G Standalone population coverage by 2030
- New research appears to show a boost from improved mobile signal across the UK
VodafoneThree has revealed further progress in its bid to improve mobile coverage across the UK.
The company says it has eliminated 16,500km2 of “non-spots” – areas that previously lacked adequate mobile coverage – as part of its efforts to cover the whole of the UK.
VodafoneThree has pledged to reach 99% 5G Standalone population coverage by 2030 and 99.96% by 2034 and pledged £11 billion to target this target.
Financial benefits
VodafoneThree says the coverage increase was achieved by its deployment of ‘Multi Operator Core Network’ (MOCN) technology across more than 8,000 sites nationwide, meaning all Vodafone and Three customers can now connect to the best available coverage at no extra cost.
Alongside the news, the company also unveiled new research outlining the benefits such improved mobile connectivity could bring to UK businesses and the national economy as a whole.
Overall, the study claims that improving mobile connectivity could provide an annual boost to the UK economy after 10 years – and tens of thousands of new businesses could be created.
VodafoneThree surveyed 2,000 people, including both existing and aspiring business owners, and found that poor mobile signals are a significant barrier to UK small businesses, with almost two-thirds (62%) of would-be founders saying that unreliable connectivity had put them off starting a business locally.
A third (33%) said they believed a better signal would make their area more attractive to business ventures, and 26% said it would directly increase their willingness to set up a business in their local area.
“As connectivity improves, entrepreneurial spirit follows” said Nick Gliddon, Business Director, VodafoneThree. “Founders move fast and the infrastructure around them needs to keep up. Strong and reliable connectivity helps start-ups win customers, build reputation and grow steadily. We’re focused on building the network that UK businesses can count on.”
“Access to reliable, high-quality mobile connections is essential for businesses and drives growth,” added Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd. “The investment VodafoneThree has made as a result of their merger, together with their efforts to remove non-spots, will help increase coverage across the UK and support our ambition for all populated areas to have access to higher quality stand-alone 5G by 2030.”
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