Government spends £150m on as few as 40 rural phone masts

News that the Government's £150m Mobile Infrastructure project will provide as few as 40 masts by the time it is wound up next March is a huge disappointment for rural communities and businesses, says the Countryside Alliance.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale announced the failure of the project – that was part of the Government's pledge to deliver mobile phone coverage to 60,000 out of the country's 80,000 known "not-spots" - at a meeting of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on 9 September.

The project was announced by Chancellor George Osborne nearly four years ago with the aim of building hundreds of masts in rural areas.

Sarah Lee, head of policy for the Countryside Alliance said: "This is a huge disappointment for rural communities and businesses who rely on mobile phone connectivity.

"We have always had concerns about the delivery of this project. Now this needs an urgent meeting between the Government, operators and communities about how we can work together to deliver universal coverage.

"Mobile phone reception is crucial for modern life, especially for those who live and work in rural communities."

For more information, contact the press office on 0207 840 9220.

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