The SRN is a £1 billion programme supported by the UK’s mobile industry and government that aims to improve connectivity in the UK’s most rural locations. The programme is targeting 4G coverage for all operators to reach 95 per cent aggregate coverage by 2026.
Three UK has now delivered sites across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which will provide new 4G connectivity to over 37,000 premises, with coverage spanning 2,800 square kilometres.
While the SRN programme is being delivered across the four home nations, the largest commitment is to Scotland. 65 of Three’s 100 SRN sites have been deployed across Scotland.
The Isle of Colonsay (pictured above), located in the Inner Hebrides close to the Scottish mainland, previously had no 4G coverage. There is now 93 per cent 4G network coverage on the island, transforming connectivity capabilities for over 150 premises in an area of 41 square kilometres.
Iain Milligan, CNO, Three UK, explained, “With mobile connectivity becoming increasingly critical to everyday life, it is vital that we provide a network capable of supporting local economies and communities in every part of the UK.
“The 100th site in Three’s SRN network is another significant milestone and will transform rural access to 4G. We continue to deliver on our commitments, but the locations we are focusing on are remote and challenging, and we continue to work with local authorities to try and progress as best as possible.”