How Mova's Mast Upgrades Are Cutting Construction Carbon
Mova's four mobile network operators, EE, Three, VMO2 and Vodafone, are upgrading 4G coverage across England, Scotland and Wales with the revamp of a total 119 mobile masts.
As of 9 March, 50 of these structures are being activated in Wales as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme funded by the UK Government. This uses existing infrastructure to bring mobile network service to residents and businesses in regions outside the cities.
A total of £184m (US$247.6m) is being invested by the UK Government to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts. The move is also supported by private investors, which aim to boost the economy in Wales by closing the divide across a total 3,400 km of roads.
From an infrastructure perspective, upgrading existing locations could mean a reduction in both the timeline and the overall cost associated with typical capital expenditure projects. When construction companies and developers utilise facilities that are already built, they avoid the initial groundworks and foundation stages.
According to Mova, the masts' activation is enhancing connectivity in regions including:
- rural towns
- Eryri National Park
- Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Shared rural network infrastructure
The existing constructed masts were initially only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999, but have now been upgraded to provide coverage from all four Mova mobile network operators.
Adapting these towers rather than building new ones could mean development teams are delivering results without undertaking site assessments or disrupting the land.
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, says: "Upgrading 50 EAS masts in Wales shows the strength of a shared, neutral programme. Every site benefits every operator, every community and every mobile user.
"Together, they represent practical steps toward fairer, more resilient connectivity across rural Wales. Since the launch of the Shared Rural Network, 4G coverage from all mobile network operators has increased from 66% to 81% of the UK."
According to Ben, this expansion is equivalent to the combined size of Wales and Northern Ireland and could show better service consistency across regions.
According to the network programme guidelines, any other mobile providers will be using one of the four mobile operators' networks to offer their services through a chosen network, so any non-customers of the big four networks will not be affected.
Telecoms and infrastructure growth
The 4G coverage from the four telecoms in Wales will see a minimum rise to 78% up from 57%, and coverage from at least one telecom increase to 97%.
People living in Wales or Scotland will see coverage improvements as the landmass coverage in the nations are starting from a lower base.
Telecoms Minister of the UK Government, Sir Chris Bryant, says: "The growth potential of our areas of outstanding natural beauty must not be stunted by patchy internet.
"This milestone is a major step forward for better connectivity for all corners of the UK meaning everyone can reap the benefits of the digital age, from boosting tourism and business opportunities to providing safer outdoor experiences for visitors to our treasured countryside."
Sir Chris asserts that these infrastructure enhancements form the backbone for expansion. For the construction and development sector, this progression could show better communication capabilities on remote sites.
Project managers rely on connectivity to oversee development progress and coordinate logistics.
Sustainable infrastructure upgrade methods
As the SRN programme is using existing infrastructure for the mast upgrades, it will be reducing the carbon footprint associated with achieving mobile coverage.
According to programme representatives, this is because fewer mobile sites will need to be installed, operated and maintained than would otherwise be the case.
The decision to rely on existing engineering works rather than building structures could mean a lower environmental impact. Using pre-established foundations and steelwork minimises material waste and cuts down the emissions typically linked to heavy machinery operations on active construction sites.
As more services can be digitised in locations with mobile connectivity, the carbon footprint of businesses can also be reduced. The network says this is because business owners can increase the number of their virtual meetings and reduce the number of face-to-face meetings, which allows for a cut back on travel.
Since the SRN programme began in 2020, an area equivalent of 4.6 million football pitches are receiving coverage from all four operators owned by Mova across the UK. This is roughly 1.5 times the size of Wales.
The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, says: "Access to fast and reliable mobile coverage is increasingly important for residents, businesses and community organisations in rural communities all over Wales.
"Hitting this milestone is an important step in our mission to grow the Welsh economy, supporting businesses to succeed and creating opportunities in every corner of Wales."
Jo outlines that this progress acts as a catalyst for ongoing development planning. UK residents have been affected by 'partial not spots', where customers can only access 4G if they are signed up with a telecom network that is active in the area.
However, mobile operators have invested £500 million to target these and reduce how customers are impacted. Addressing these regional dead zones through targeted infrastructure improvements could show a more unified communication standard for future construction projects and developments.
