EE to extend rural coverage using micro-networks
First pilot rolled out in the Cumbrian village of Sebergham


EE plans to extend its coverage around the UK to include more reliable voice services, in addition to 3G and 4G data services, using micro-networks.
The technology has been tested in the Cumbrian village of Sebergham, connecting 129 households and small businesses using three meshed' small antennas.
These connected antennas remove the need to install full-sized masts and reduce disruption because sub-cables don't need to be installed.
Cumbria County Councillor Duncan Fairbairn said: "The mobile service here is either non-existent or spasmodic at best. And the broadband is incredibly slow and very unreliable.
"We're delighted to be the first community in the UK to benefit from this EE initiative, and there are more villages in my parish that I know will benefit hugely from this, and they're excited to be connected next."
The system also doesn't require fixed broadband to give full coverage and EE says it's this that makes the solution completely unique. Antennas are installed on local buildings in hours rather than days and no planning permission is required, making it faster to roll out.
EE CEO Olaf Swantee said: "With this innovative new technology, we have the capability to connect every community in the UK, and we estimate that we'll be able to bring reliable voice coverage and high speed mobile broadband to more than 1,500 places for the first time by 2017.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
"We've been working closely with government on the long-term ambition to bring voice coverage to more of the UK, and we believe that this world-first technology will demonstrate significant advancements against that vision."
EE said it is investigating areas that may benefit from this type of service and those suitable will start to see micro-networks installed from early 2015.

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.
Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.
As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.
-
Bigger salaries, more burnout: Is the CISO role in crisis?
In-depth CISOs are more stressed than ever before – but why is this and what can be done?
By Kate O'Flaherty Published
-
Cheap cyber crime kits can be bought on the dark web for less than $25
News Research from NordVPN shows phishing kits are now widely available on the dark web and via messaging apps like Telegram, and are often selling for less than $25.
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
EE rolls out 4G across Glasgow's underground network
News The network is currently restricted to EE customers but is likely to expand in the near future
By Sabina Weston Published
-
The best 4G network
In-depth Every mobile provider offers 4G contracts, but which one is the best for you?
By Carly Page Last updated
-
EE completes UK's first 5G lab test
News The company teamed up with Huawei to provide end-to-end 2.8Gbps service
By Clare Hopping Published
-
EE says network is back after 4G outage
News EE hasn't explained what's behind widespread issues
By Nicole Kobie Published
-
EE wipes out UK's 4G black spots
News The company is calling for all networks to be transparent about their coverage
By Clare Hopping Published
-
EE upgrades 4G network to boost connection speeds
News But only the latest smartphones will benefit
By Rene Millman Published
-
Three tries to stop Vodafone and BT buying too much spectrum
News The mobile provider has asked Ofcom to step in
By Clare Hopping Published
-
EE 4G network 'to cover 95% of UK' by 2020
News Mobile operator will also on-shore 600 customer service roles
By Jane McCallion Published