KTL Supports BT in completing the 1500th site under the Shared Rural Network (SRN) scheme

KTL has been supporting BT Group with the expansion of its EE 4G mobile network, helping bring fast and reliable mobile connectivity to more rural communities across the UK as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN).[1]

The SRN is a £1 billion joint initiative between mobile network operators and the UK Government to extend 4G connectivity to 95 percent of the UK’s geography by the end of 2025. This is a sustainable approach to the challenge of delivering rural mobile coverage, extending 4G coverage throughout rural areas in the UK without duplicating existing infrastructure and minimising any undue impact on local wildlife and the surrounding environment.

KTL recently supported the installation of 4G infrastructure at a rural mast site near the famous Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands[2]. The site is the 1500th EE has upgraded or built as part of the SRN programme and its largest single upgrade to date, with the enhanced connectivity supporting local people and businesses, as well as those working and visiting the area, including the hundreds of thousands of tourists who head to Loch Ness every year[3].

This milestone shows the considerable progress to date of KTL’s partnership with BT under the SRN – the 100th site build was a milestone completed in March 2022.[4]

KTL delivered an end-to-end turnkey solution for EE, which included acquisition, planning, design, construction, and integration services.

James Hope, RAN Director at BT Group commented: “The Shared Rural Network is delivering a boost to countryside communities across the UK, bringing fast and reliable 4G connectivity to those who need it most in a way that respects and protects the local environment. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at KTL to deliver on our ambitions and support more rural communities in accessing the mobile connectivity they need in the digital age.”

Paul Korzeniewski, KTL UK BD Director said: “This is a massive achievement, given the rural locations of these sites, with very limited access. This project offers so much to the communities it serves and our engineers continually receive feedback from EE customers on how these upgrades have improved their day-to-day lives. This has been an exciting project to be part of with great client support and expertise from the BT team.”

About KTL: KTL has a proven record of delivering exceptional engineering services for customers across the telecommunications and power sectors. KTL offers fast and flexible solutions tailored to customers’ specific needs. With over 25 years of experience in connecting communities, KTL has a deep understanding of what works. KTL has implemented strategies that guarantee efficient and effective results, and KTL’s commitment to excellence keeps customers coming back time and time again.

Sources:

[1] ‘EE brings “monster” 4G connectivity to a further 1,500 rural communities as part of the Shared Rural Network’ - https://newsroom.ee.co.uk/ee-brings-monster-4g-connectivity-to-a-further-1500-rural-communities-as-part-of-the-shared-rural-network/

2 EE brings “monster” 4G connectivity to a further 1,500 rural communities as part of the Shared Rural Network’ - https://newsroom.ee.co.uk/ee-brings-monster-4g-connectivity-to-a-further-1500-rural-communities-as-part-of-the-shared-rural-network/

3 EE brings “monster” 4G connectivity to a further 1,500 rural communities as part of the Shared Rural Network’ - https://newsroom.ee.co.uk/ee-brings-monster-4g-connectivity-to-a-further-1500-rural-communities-as-part-of-the-shared-rural-network/

4 ‘EE partners with KTL to extend 4G coverage to rural areas across the UK’ - https://www.ktl.ie/post/ee-partners-with-ktl-to-extend-4g-coverage-to-rural-areas-across-the-uk-1