MPs call for 'rural roaming' to connect the countryside to 4G
A cross-party group of MPs is today recommending the introduction of a single rural mobile phone network to help boost signal in the countryside.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rural Business has published a report following its inquiry into 4G in rural areas.
The report calls for the ability for mobile phone users to roam between network providers in rural areas, to help allow more people to make good quality calls and access data in the countryside.
Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer and Chair of the group said: “4G has the potential to revolutionise country life and the rural economy, but we know many people living and working in rural areas feel abandoned to poor coverage in favour of greater profits for the operators in urban areas.
Our report identifies specific solutions that will have a real impact. Introducing rural roaming would give a fast and noticeable difference to 4G coverage in the countryside while minimising the need for operators’ investment by using existing infrastructure.
The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) represents 30,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses across England and Wales.
CLA deputy president Mark Bridgeman said: “For too long people living and working in the countryside have been disadvantaged by poor mobile coverage, putting up with detrimental impacts to their businesses as well as home life.
"The recommendations in the all-party group's report sets out a positive and sensible approach towards ending digital discrimination against people who live and work in the countryside.
"I urge the network operators to work with Government and Ofcom now to identify how rural roaming could work best and be delivered without delay.”
Recommendations
The report makes five key recommendations that aim to help overcome barriers that the MP group discussed with network operators and rural business leaders during the APPG’s inquiry into the issue in June 2018:
