Consultation into mobile coverage

Broadband needed in all rural areas

Ofcom has announced a consultation into improving mobile coverage by seeking proposals for coverage obligations in the award of the 700 MHz spectrum band.

The spectrum will be auctioned in the second half of 2019.

CLA President Tim Breitmeyer said: “Mobile coverage in rural areas has suffered from years of underinvestment. The 700mhz spectrum has major potential for increasing the reach of mobile coverage in rural areas but strict conditions in the licence agreements are crucial to ensuring it delivers.  

“We want to see stringent conditions placed on mobile operators with tough penalties as part of tenders for the auction. We will be pressing Ofcom to ensure that any conditions put in place mean that rural businesses have the same access to 4G services which are enjoyed in towns and cities.”