Mobile network EE says that it has built or upgraded more than eight 4G sites across Cheshire since December 2021, as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative.
The investment constitutes the latest expansion of EE’s 4G coverage across remote parts of the UK. In total across the UK, EE has upgraded 1,362 sites since the SRN deal was signed in March 2020, with the target of bringing improved connectivity to each UK nation.
A further 10 more upgrades are expected to go ahead across Cheshire by 2024. A total of around 900 upgrades are planned for the UK as a whole.
EE has added more than 420 square miles of new EE 4G coverage across the UK in 2022, extending its lead as the UK’s largest 4G network.
Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group, said: "BT is committed to ensuring that even the most remote areas of the country are connected. Despite a challenging economic environment, we’re continuing to invest in rural infrastructure to achieve that. EE’s 4G has expanded by 500 square miles over the past year and we continue to be the sole provider of mobile services in many areas of the UK."
Rural areas in Cheshire that have received 4G upgrades from EE via the SRN in the last 12 months include:C Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Siddington and Malpas.
Many of the upgrades have helped improve coverage throughout the UK’s road network, a key benefit of the Shared Rural Network programme. Whether using the motorway network, or driving along key ‘A’ roads, those travelling will find the widest 4G coverage yet.
Roads getting better coverage from EE under the programme include the M1, M4 and M6 in England, A487, A489 and A4212 in Wales, A838, A85 and A90 in Scotland and A1 and A24 in Northern Ireland.