MP hears about upgrade to Petworth’s mobile signals
Arundel and South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith joined Three UK executives in Petworth on Friday to welcome the Government’s new mobile data strategy to end gaps in coverage.
Andrew met Three UK’s chief network officer, Iain Milligan, at the site to hear more about their local upgrades across West Sussex and what is involved with delivering new technology.
They were joined by Paul Wise from Ericsson, the company contracted to maintain the masts.
Petworth is served by three mobile masts, one of which has already been upgraded and the other two of which are now included in Three UK’s ongoing upgrade programme.
The improved 4G signal will make a noticeable difference to residents and traders who rely on it every day.
Three UK have recently made changes to they way they upgrade shared mobile masts guaranteeing faster improvements for local people who use their services.
The Government recently announced a new mobile data strategy which identify any ‘gaps’ in 4G coverage and speed up improvements to fill them.
As part of the new initiative, the Government has launched a 5G innovation fund which will provide £40 million to promote investment and adoption of 5G by businesses and public services.
Andrew Griffith MP said: “It was great to hear from Three UK their plans ro upgrade coverage and to welcome the Government’s plan to end mobile data ‘not-spots’ in West Sussex.
“I have long campaigned for better mobile data in rural areas like ours and I am delighted improvements are now being delivered.
“This news sits alongside the Government’s £100 million investment to connect 60,000 households and businesses to superfast Gigabit broadband in the near future.”
The government strategy includes an investment package worth almost £150 million, with up to £100 million to put the UK at the forefront of future research.
The ambition is to deliver standalone 5G to all populated areas by 2030 to support the next generation of innovation.
An additional £8 million would connect remote homes and businesses with a pioneering satellite programme.