Communications infrastructure provider Arqiva has secured a 150 million Government tender to deliver mobile services to 60,000 premises across rural Britain.
The deal is part of The Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP), a Government initiative aimed at helping the UK grow as a digital economy by connecting rural areas, and stimulating the creation of new jobs.
The project is one of several the Government is embarking on to bolster the connectivity of the UK as a whole. The others include the 530 million Rural Broadband Project, and 150 million super connected cities' programme.
Arqiva's role in the upgrades will be to oversee network planning, as well as the deployment of site infrastructure and equipment installation.
"We're excited to be working with the government and mobile operators on this important initiative," says Nicolas Ott, managing director of government, mobile and enterprise at Arqiva.
"MIP perfectly fits within our strategy of creating a range of platforms- cellular, Wi-Fi and small cells that provide mobile connectivity to all and support a thriving digital economy in the UK," he added.
Cultural Minister Ed Vaizey also backed Arquiva's appointment, adding: "Today is great news for rural communities throughout the UK, who stand to benefit enormously from this 150 million project to improve mobile phone coverage.
"Good mobile connectivity is increasingly important and it is crucial that businesses and individuals are not left struggling with poor and intermittent coverage" he concluded.
