EE makes rural connectivity plans

EE has pledged to provide 'superfast' broadband to previously poorly connected - mainly rural - areas across the UK. The company has estimated that its service will ultimately reach in the region of 580,000 premises, with trials having already taken place in the Northern Fells area of Cumbria.

According to the company, this will be achieved through the use of what it calls "a powerful external antenna and professional installation service," designed specifically for those in rural communities with no fixed line broadband access. The new solution allows customers to access EE’s 'superfast' 4G network, which currently extends to 90 per cent of the UK.

Speaking of the roll-out, Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border said: "What EE is doing is transformative. The great thing about the new solution is that it’s wireless, and as the number of new mobile masts continues to roll out, more areas of will come online. People's lives really will be transformed”

Sarah Lee, head of policy at the Countryside Alliance, said: "Fast and reliable internet is just as essential in the countryside as it is in urban areas, but unfortunately it is not currently as widely available. We welcome this innovative 4G solution from EE and believe it will have a big impact on some of the most remote communities across the UK.”