VIRGIN Media O2 has reached a major milestone in its efforts to bring better 4G signal to patchy rural spots across the UK.
And the upgrade not only benefit O2 customers – Vodafone and Three users gain too.
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The company’s shared 4G coverage project has now been installed in 150 locations.
This means faster, more reliable mobile data and higher quality voice calls to remote spots notorious for sluggish network services.
It’s all part of a £1billion Shared Rural Network programme where networks work together to boost connections in rural areas.
This week, the Isle of Eigg became the operator’s 150th site to benefit from improved 4G coverage, where the population is less than 100.
The island was previously limited to just one provider, according to Virgin Media O2.
And work doesn’t stop there as dozens more sites are set to go live in the coming weeks.
The firm claims it’s gone further than any other operator to date to deliver new infrastructure as part of the scheme.
Overall, the initiative between network firms and the Government aims to extend 4G connectivity to 95 per cent of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025.
“The 150 sites we have delivered will enable more residents, businesses and visitors in rural areas to benefit from better mobile coverage, with dozens more locations set to go live in the coming weeks,” said Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2.
“This work is vital in tackling the urban-rural digital divide that exists in the UK.”
Of the 150 rural spots that have been set up or upgraded by Virgin Media O2 so far, 117 are in some of Scotland’s most remote places, including Shetland, Ardross, and Argyll & Bute.
A further 28 are in rural parts of England, including parts of Yorkshire, Suffolk and Kent, while three sites have been upgraded in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.
Julia Lopez, Minister of state for Data and Digital Infrastructure, said: “Backed by government funding, Virgin Media O2’s rapid rollout of the Shared Rural Network is delivering better 4G coverage to rural communities across the UK.
“The completion of its 150th mast in the Isle of Eigg in Scotland involved the use of helicopters, boats and off-road vehicles to get the build done and shows the UK Government’s commitment to rural residents and businesses, so the British public can enjoy good connectivity wherever they live.”
How to save on your mobile phone bill
NOT happy with your current mobile phone deal?
If you’re outside the minimum term of your contract then you won’t need to pay a cancellation fee – and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at how many minutes and texts, as well as how much data you’re using, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you’re a heavy internet user it’s worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don’t end up spending extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
Also note that if you’re still in your contract period, you might be charged an exit fee.
Ready to look elsewhere? Pay-as-you-go deals are better for people who don’t regularly use their phone, while monthly contracts usually work out cheaper for those who do.
It’s worth using comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and uSwitch.com, to compare tariffs and phone prices.
Billmonitor also matches buyers to the best pay-monthly deal based on their previous three months of bills.
It only works if you’re a customer of EE, O2, Three, Vodafone or Tesco Mobile and you’ll need to log in with your online account details.
There’s also MobilePhoneChecker, which has a bill monitoring feature that recommends a tariff based on your monthly usage.
If you’re happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal.