Building a Shared Rural Network in the UK

Building a Shared Rural Network in the UK

Mobile technology and connectivity were emerging needs before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this event transformed need into a necessity as remote work and education and virtual connection became part of daily life worldwide. For the United Kingdom, providing people with reliable 4G access would require drastic improvements across urban and remote areas. Several barriers stood in the way of achieving comprehensive wireless expansion, including varying geography, regions with no coverage and areas with a single service provider. A complex and collaborative solution was required to expand wireless network coverage successfully. In 2020, the U.K. government partnered with the four primary wireless providers to develop a Shared Rural Network (SRN). The plan involves significant investment by the providers to upgrade the network and build a shared infrastructure using existing resources, phone poles and new structures where necessary. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the SRN can minimize its carbon footprint while addressing social, economic and health inequities across the U.K. Expanding coverage into areas with a single provider and zero coverage, the SRN also bridges the urban-rural divide, creating a more significant opportunity for economic development in locations previously unable to connect. The completion goal of the SRN is the end of 2025, resulting in 4G access to at least 95% of the U.K., especially in rural Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. In 2021, the U.K. government and the four providers launched the SRN project. Due to the size and scope of the initiative, multiple partners were brought in to execute the plan. Valmont was chosen to support the plan due to the company’s engineering expertise and ability to pre-rig and test components. Full plug-and-play telecom poles are pre-equipped with antennas and feeders, which enable multiple providers to utilize a single pole. Additionally, the pre-configured components streamline installation to meet critical deadlines. Using a single structure to support multiple wireless carriers greatly reduces the need to build additional towers, which in turn preserves the natural landscape and reduces the resources needed to fulfill project goals. The improved connectivity across urban and rural areas improves life in many ways. First, more consistent coverage will allow people traveling by car or public transportation to stay connected, which can aid in driving directions, entertainment and other uses. Tourism is positively impacted by allowing visitors to share video and photos, and communicate with family and friends from previously unreachable locations. From a business and industry standpoint, people in rural areas were limited in job opportunities, or forced to drive to metropolitan areas. The SRN will increase online shopping, remote working opportunities and investment in economic development in rural communities. Similarly, reliable connectivity will help the U.K. enhance education and expand people’s use of technology for streaming entertainment and communicating. According to the U.K. government, coverage will increase the most in Scotland, going from 44% to 74%. Wales will see a significant improvement with up to 20% more range. The expansion also will improve coverage in England and Northern Ireland by 6%. Overall, the expanded access will cover an additional 280,000 households and businesses, resulting in 95% 4G coverage across the United Kingdom by the end of 2025.