These are the latest sites in North Yorkshire to be upgraded to 4G by EE

SRN is a programme between the UK’s four mobile network operators and the UK Government to extend 4G coverage to 95 per cent of the UK’s geography by the middle of the decade.

The upgrades fall under the first phase of the SRN, where EE will invest to significantly reduce ‘partial not-spots’ by 2024.

EE has already upgraded its 4G network in 25 locations across England since the SRN deal was signed in March 2020.

A site in Grinton, Richmondshire in the Yorkshire Dales has already been upgraded and more sites across North Yorkshire will now follow.

Locations to be upgraded in North Yorkshire in 2021 include:

- Ainderby Steeple, Hambleton, North Yorkshire

- Kirkby Malzeard, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

- Melmerby, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

- Roecliffe, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

- A59, Broughton, Craven, North Yorkshire

- Draughton, Craven, North Yorkshire

- Lawkland, Craven, North Yorkshire

- Rylstone, Craven, North Yorkshire

- Henderskelfe, Ryedale, North Yorkshire

- Kirby Misperton, Ryedale, North Yorkshire

- Pickering, Ryedale, North Yorkshire – (three sites)

- Goathland, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

- Sawdon, Brompton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Matt Warman, minister for digital infrastructure, said: "I'm delighted to see the great strides EE is making to boost 4G services in countryside communities as part of the Shared Rural Network agreement, which was brokered and is part funded by the government.

"We're investing half a billion pounds in this landmark deal to extend mobile coverage to 95 per cent of the UK and it will help us build back better from the pandemic."

Philip Jansen, chief executive of BT Group, said: “Reliable connectivity is important wherever you live, work or travel, and we’re committed to improving and adding coverage to even the most remote areas.

"The investment BT has made in rural areas to date means we already have the infrastructure in place needed to extend our 4G coverage footprint further, minimising the number of new sites we need to build.

"There are many places where EE is the only provider with 4G coverage today, offering the other operators an opportunity to share our existing sites to plug gaps in their networks and improve mobile performance for everyone.”

EE has extended its 4G network to cover areas with high summer demand, including all 15 of Great Britain’s National Parks, coastal locations and roads.

Coverage in National Parks has increased by more than 200km², the equivalent of more than 40,000 football fields, and EE’s 4G network now covers 94 per cent of roads in Great Britain.

Mike McKinley, chairman of National Parks England, said: “The extension, and introduction, of 4G coverage across more rural areas is welcome news for National Park communities and visitors, and will help meet increased demand for fast, reliable connectivity.

“Digital connectivity is a vital part of modern life, and this news will also benefit the residents of National Parks, many of whom currently live in isolated areas with no access to mobile coverage.

“As we look ahead to this summer 2021, National Parks is anticipating a large influx of visitors. These visitors will now have access to better and more reliable mobile coverage, giving them the opportunity to use important tools such as ‘SaferLakes’ which helps visitors enjoy these special landscapes, while ensuring they are protected for future generations.”

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James Mitchinson