Through the SRN programme, Vodafone has successfully introduced 4G to more than 400 rural locations.
Vodafone has confirmed that is has hit its Partial Not Spot (PNS) coverage target of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, reinforcing the company’s commitment to rural communities throughout the UK as The Nation’s Network.
Through the SRN programme, Vodafone has successfully introduced 4G to more than 400 rural locations. This, in turn, is bringing its strong and reliable coverage to more than 17,000 square kilometres of the UK, which is greater in size than the area of Yorkshire.
Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer, Vodafone UK, said: “At Vodafone, we’ve always been vocal in our belief that a rural postcode should not be a barrier to connectivity. And, as The Nation’s Network, our mission is to make sure no part of the UK is left behind.
“This is why we continue to invest millions in our rural network, so that customers living, working and visiting rural locations will benefit from a strong voice signal and fast data speeds. The SRN is a world-first partnership between Government and mobile operators, and this is a major milestone for Vodafone, achieved through teamwork, passion, creative delivery and determination, and I’m honoured to lead this incredible team.”
Remote works: Why rural connectivity is central to Vodafone's network
At Vodafone, we’ve always been vocal in our belief that a rural postcode should not be a barrier to connectivity. This is why we continue to invest millions in our rural network.
Vodafone has a proud history of always going the extra mile, especially in rural communities, throughout the UK. This activity is also part of Vodafone’s wider network modernisation programme, which has seen its 4G coverage reach 99% of UK premises, as well as the recent retirement of its 3G network, so 3G’s radio frequencies can be used to strengthen 4G and 5G services.
Other activities include the introduction of innovative mast technologies, such as OpenRAN, to deliver coverage to more rural and remote locations across the UK.
As society relies more and more on connectivity, Vodafone aims – through SRN and our other rural initiatives – to continue investing in its network to make sure customers in remote areas don’t miss out on the benefits of a strong and reliable connection. The proposed merger with Three UK would allow Vodafone to deliver 5G Standalone to 95% of the UK by 2034 – ultimately supercharging rural communities.
Stay up to date with the latest news from Vodafone by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter/X, as well as signing up for News Centre website notifications.
-Ends-
Notes to editors
About the SRN programme
The Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme is a £1bn joint initiative between Government and the UK’s four mobile network operators, which aims to increase operators’ UK 4G coverage in rural areas. The first stage of the programme was to deliver Partial Not Spots (PNS) improvements to UK geographical areas where at least one, but not all four, mobile operators were available by June 2024. The second stage of SRN is to reach Total Not Spots (TNS), areas with no existing coverage from any operator, by delivering new shared masts. This is due for completion in 2027. More information is available at www.srn.org.uk
