More than 150 rural 4G mast upgrades go live, with Northumberland among areas covered

More than 150 government-funded 4G mast upgrades are now live across the UK, bringing better mobile coverage to rural areas including Northumberland and neighbouring Cumbria. The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network, a partnership between the UK government and mobile network operators, and bring 4G from EE, Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree to some of Britain's hardest-to-reach places.

The upgrades were all delivered using existing infrastructure to protect scenic spots. They add 4G coverage across more than 5,684 square kilometres of the UK combined. The government says the improved signal will help walkers and holidaymakers check weather and routes and contact emergency services. It will also help local businesses take payments and bookings, and allow people to use online public services and work from home or on the move. The programme has reached its target of 4G coverage across 95% of the UK landmass a year ahead of schedule.

New analysis shows 42 Shared Rural Network sites have been switched on in national parks. Of these, 25 are in England, including seven in the Lake District and six in the Yorkshire Dales. Government figures show the Yorkshire Dales and Eryri (Snowdonia) have had the biggest increases in coverage of any national park, rising by around seven percentage points in each.

Ian Murray, Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: "You should be able to switch off in the countryside without being cut off from the help and services you need."

The upgraded masts are being built by the Home Office mainly to support the new Emergency Services Network, and have been upgraded to carry commercial coverage from all UK mobile operators. The programme will continue until January 2027, with up to 40 more government-funded mast upgrades due to go live across Britain.