Report: 4G mobile masts improve coverage 40% cheaper

The government has pledged more investment in 4G mobile masts in an effort to improve poor coverage.

As a result, more mobile users than ever before now have access to faster data speeds as part of the government’s Mobile Infrastructure Project, and things are only set to improve.

75 masts have already been built across the country, for the low price of £35m – less than the cost of building 60 communications towers.

The government’s MIP Impact and Benefit report highlighted the project’s value to users with improved internet access.

The masts, which cost the taxpayer 40% less than predicted, are being put up in areas which have previously suffered poor coverage as a result of market failures.

Costs for operating the masts will be covered by network providers, now the heavy lifting has been done by the taxpayer.

“Although a number of challenges led to revisions in the project’s ambitions, the outcomes and benefits of the MIP have outstripped even the most optimistic estimates,” says the report.

“The MIP helped address market failures by providing mobile connectivity in not-spot areas as well as increasing internet availability in areas which are also affected by poor broadband.

“Communities greatly appreciate the improved mobile connectivity and that it brings a variety of benefits to those communities.”

The government report outlined four key benefits for customers, including growth, public sector efficiency and addressing market failure.

The government is also keen to reduce what they are calling the ‘digital divide’, and aims to bring equitable connectivity to the whole country over the next few years.

The MIP was announced in 2011 by George Osborne, and has delivered 2G, 3G and 4G services to more than over 14,000 customers at over 7,000 premises which previously lacked network coverage.

Many homes and businesses around the country previously suffered slow or nonexistent data speeds, while others still do.

The MIP is part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan, which is intended to greatly expand mobile coverage across the country and support economic growth.

With Brexit on the horizon, this will no doubt go a long way to future-proofing UK wealth.

And if not, at least we’ll be able to stream hilarious videos at reasonable speeds, even the economy tanks.

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