Virgin Media O2 Achieves Milestone in UK’s Rural Connectivity Program

UK’s Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has reached a milestone in its efforts to improve mobile connectivity in rural areas through the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme. The company announced this week that it has upgraded or constructed 100 sites, providing residents, businesses, and visitors in remote communities with faster and more reliable mobile coverage.

• Make Telecom Talk My Trusted Source
• 
• 

Also Read: Virgin Media O2 Boosts Rural UK Connectivity With 5G, Upgrades 4G

Delivering Enhanced Connectivity

According to the company, this achievement positions Virgin Media O2 ahead of other operators in delivering new infrastructure under the SRN programme. Notably, these 100 sites, controlled by VMO2, benefit not only Virgin Media O2 customers but also users of Three and Vodafone networks. Customers of these telcos can now benefit from 4G services at 146 rural locations in the UK.

VMO2 highlighted that for the 100th site, situated on the Isle of Skye, the second-largest island in Scotland, the company used helicopters to transport and install new 4G masts, reaching even the most challenging geographical locations.

The SRN, a joint effort between the UK’s four mobile network operators (Virgin Media O2, EE, Three, and Vodafone) and the UK Government, aims to extend 4G coverage to 95 percent of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025, with a GBP 1 billion investment.

Also Read: Virgin Media O2 Expands Broadband Services With XGS-PON Technology Across UK

Reaching Remote Geographical Locations

Of the 100 sites upgraded or built by Virgin Media O2, 78 are located in remote parts of Scotland, including areas such as Shetland, Ardross, and Argyll and Bute. Additionally, 19 sites are in rural parts of England, covering regions like Yorkshire, Suffolk, and Kent. Three sites are situated in Northern Ireland, the company said.