MOBILE CONNECTIVITY
Our team is currently engaging with all four mobile operators along with their industry body MobileUK to facilitate the roll out of further mobile coverage in our county, including 3G, 4G and 5G.
As Staffordshire is a rural county, we are showing a keen interest in acting as an enabler for the Shared Rural Network (SRN) project to increase our mobile coverage.
Delivering reliable mobile coverage
The SRN project is being delivered by the UK’s four mobile network operators (MNOs) with support from government. This will deliver reliable mobile coverage to 95% of the UK, addressing the digital divide by improving 4G coverage in the areas that need it most. Currently in the West Midlands and Staffordshire, coverage from all four operators is forecast to rise to 92%, up from the current 78%.
2G and 3G Network Switch-Off
The UK’s mobile services currently use four different ‘generations’ of mobile technology: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G.
The mobile providers have decided to switch off their 2G and 3G networks, starting from early this year to make room for the more advanced 4G and 5G networks which give customers better, faster and more reliable services. This will affect customers on those networks using older mobile devices and services. If you have a 4G or 5G mobile device or service, this change is unlikely to affect you and may only require a software or settings update. Please use the links below to check with your mobile provider for further guidance.
Each provider has their own timetable and advice - these timings may change and you should check the mobile provider's website for the latest updates:
