A report by the National Audit Office (NAO) highlights delays in the UK government's rural 4G connectivity expansion plans. The Shared Rural Network program, aimed at achieving 95% 4G coverage across the UK by 2025, is struggling to meet interim targets, with only one network reaching its goal so far. Challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, opposition from local groups, and slow progress in finalizing mast locations have contributed to the setbacks. Rising costs and uncertainties raise concerns about the program's ability to meet coverage targets within the allocated funding.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) business case predicts over