Cornerstone partners with Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust to raise awareness for the need of nationwide mobile and digital infrastructure services
In a move to address the connectivity gaps affecting both emergency response and local economic growth in Cornwall, Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile and digital infrastructure services provider, has announced a partnership with Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. This strategic sponsorship reflects Cornerstone’s commitment to ensuring that “your connected world is always within reach”, not just as a convenience, but as a lifesaving necessity.
For Cornerstone, this partnership comes at a crucial stage in its evolution. Having built a strong foundation in enabling connectivity across the UK, we’re now focusing on partnerships that highlight the real, immediate benefits of mobile coverage for communities. As Pat Coxen, Chief Executive explained, “This is not a vanity project. It’s about saving lives and strengthening communities. Our work with the air ambulance underscores that connectivity is essential infrastructure, critical for emergency services, economic opportunities, and the wellbeing of rural residents.”
Cornerstone is committed to expanding its digital infrastructure services, exploring new products and services. Enabling mobile coverage for the operators and delivering connectivity solutions for industry at large, is never more important than when it means life-saving communications can reach those in critical need.
Through this partnership, we aim to raise awareness to both the incredible work of the pilots and paramedics and the need for robust digital connectivity to support rescue missions, ultimately improving emergency outcomes for people in remote regions. We were recently honoured to celebrate the launch at CAAT’s headquarters, joined by Steven Webb, former Mayor of Truro and campaigner for mobile signals save lives, and Tim Bunting, CAAT’s Chief Executive, and his team.
As Cornwall’s only air ambulance charity, CAAT responds to over 1,000 emergency calls each year, reaching challenging locations like coastlines, beaches and rural moorlands. With Cornwall currently ranked 60th out of 96 UK local authority districts for mobile connectivity, robust digital infrastructure is crucial for timely emergency response.
Pat Coxen, Chief Executive at Cornerstone, commented “This is all about raising awareness and enhancing community safety. Through our partnership, we can work together to highlight the role of connectivity in emergency responses. By advocating for policy changes, such as faster planning approvals, we aim to deliver on our company’s purpose of making connectivity within everyone’s reach”.
Cornerstone’s goal? To work with local authorities and national government to rethink the importance of mobile infrastructure in even the most protected areas, because mobile connectivity doesn’t just connect people, it saves lives.
For media enquiries or further information on this collaboration, please contact media@cornerstone.network
Cornwall is a region defined by its rugged beauty, seasonal shifts, and vibrant communities. Yet, alongside its natural charm, unique infrastructure challenges arise. At Cornerstone, we believe robust digital connectivity should be available to everyone, no matter where they are in the UK, and this commitment has driven our partnership with the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT). Our aim is to ensure that Cornwall’s communities, businesses, and emergency services stay connected, especially in times of critical need.
Championing Local Connectivity: A Collaborative Approach
Our partnership with the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust represents a powerful collaboration aimed at reinforcing connectivity in Cornwall. As part of this partnership, we recently spent two days at CAAT’s headquarters, meeting with key figures including Tim Bunting (Chief Executive of CAAT), Steve Garvey (Air Operations Officer and Paramedic), Andrew George (MP), and Steven Webb (former Mayor of Truro and CAAT supporter). Through these discussions, it became clear how transformative mobile connectivity can be, not only for CAAT’s life-saving operations but also for Cornwall’s social, transport, and community infrastructure.
This collaboration also reflects our commitment to Cornwall’s unique challenges. We’re listening to the needs of local organisations and stakeholders, who have shared insights into how reliable mobile connectivity enhances CAAT’s emergency response, supports daily operations, and opens doors for broader community engagement. Cornerstone’s work in Cornwall is a demonstration of how digital infrastructure can uplift communities by providing critical links for health, transport, and education across the region.
Vital Needs for Emergency Services in Cornwall
The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust’s mission is to provide emergency response services to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, often reaching patients within a mere twelve minutes from the moment they’re called. With Cornwall’s rural landscape and dispersed communities, CAAT’s ability to rapidly transport individuals to specialist hospitals is vital. Their helicopter is more than just a vehicle; it’s a lifeline that connects people in crisis with life-saving healthcare.
Our work with CAAT highlights how essential reliable mobile connectivity is to their operations. CAAT’s team can swiftly coordinate logistics, access critical information, and communicate effectively as they respond to emergencies across the region.
In light of Cornwall’s seasonal population fluctuations, CAAT’s demand peaks during holiday periods, leading to an increase in the need for emergency response services. Recognising this, CAAT is adding an additional helicopter to handle the seasonal influx of visitors. Just as CAAT’s fleet expands to meet demand, so must Cornwall’s mobile infrastructure, which must be adaptable to support residents and tourists alike, offering seamless and reliable connectivity no matter the season.
Social and Educational Challenges in Cornwall
Cornwall faces several socio-economic challenges, being the third poorest county in the UK. Many Cornish residents encounter barriers to education, employment, and healthcare, and as such, Cornerstone recognises the role digital infrastructure plays in supporting these communities. Reliable mobile connectivity can help bridge these gaps by connecting people to essential services, reducing isolation, and creating new opportunities for social engagement and economic activity.
Beyond providing infrastructure, Cornerstone is committed to supporting skill development in Cornwall. Through initiatives such as the CNFE and Apprenticeship Programme, we aim to help develop talent locally, providing career pathways in technology and engineering in a region where access to further education and training is often limited. This commitment to enhancing local opportunity aligns closely with our mission to connect Cornwall’s people with new possibilities for growth and resilience.
Rail and Transport Connectivity in a Seasonal County
The transport needs of Cornwall, including its rail system, are also shaped by the ebb and flow of its population. Cornwall is a popular tourist destination, seeing significant population growth during holidays and festivals. During the recent Connected Britain 2024 event, Chris Bryant raised an essential question regarding this very issue: How can we ensure that Cornwall’s rail systems are sufficiently connected to meet the influx of people during holiday seasons?
This question reflects the broader connectivity needs of Cornwall’s transport systems. It’s clear that both rail and mobile networks must be equipped to serve not only the steady local population but also the surging seasonal visitors. Cornerstone sees an opportunity here to collaborate with the government to ensure Cornwall’s transport systems are digitally equipped, supporting both daily operations and the peaks in demand that seasonal tourism brings. In parallel, we’re dedicated to expanding Cornwall’s mobile infrastructure so that residents and visitors alike can rely on fast, secure connectivity whether travelling by road, rail, or on foot.
Supporting Cornwall’s Social, Vital, and Transport Infrastructure
Our recent meetings with local leaders, including CAAT’s leadership, council representatives, and members of Parliament, affirmed that connectivity is not just about technology—it’s about enhancing everyday life. Reliable connectivity supports vital emergency services like CAAT, powers public transportation, and enables social progress. Our work with CAAT exemplifies how digital infrastructure can support both health and resilience in Cornwall, ensuring that help is always in reach and that no one is left without essential connections.
As we work to expand and strengthen connectivity in Cornwall, Cornerstone remains dedicated to supporting the unique social, educational, and logistical needs of the region. Our partnership with CAAT is a testament to what can be achieved when we prioritise people, community, and innovation in our approach to infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future where Cornwall’s people are always connected to what matters most, no matter where they are or what season it is.
by Pat Coxen, CEO, Cornerstone
Pat joined Cornerstone as CEO in January 2023. He started his career in the British Army, serving for 15 years in the Royal Signals in Telecommunications and Cyber Security and the Royal Engineers in various roles.
by Julian Shariff, Head of Property & Estates, Cornerstone
The Shared Rural Network (SRN) is a collaborative initiative between the UK Government, mobile network operators, and local authorities, aimed at extending mobile coverage to rural areas. This ambitious project ensures that even the most remote communities have access to reliable mobile and broadband services, helping to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth in underserved regions.
The SRN has made significant progress, particularly in the Swansea Bay City Deal region, where the deployment of advanced 4G and 5G-ready infrastructure is delivering high-quality mobile coverage to rural areas. This improved connectivity supports local businesses, enhances public services, and provides residents with better access to digital resources, empowering them to participate fully in the modern economy.
By adopting a community-first approach, we are ensuring that infrastructure development is sensitive to regional needs. Working closely with local authorities and planning bodies, our goal is to deliver solutions that not only improve connectivity but also respect the natural environment. Shared infrastructure helps reduce the number of masts required, minimising environmental impact while maximising coverage.
The planning process for new infrastructure is also designed to be inclusive. Local residents are invited to participate in public consultations, ensuring that their views are considered as part of the decision-making process. This collaborative effort enables us to build networks that truly serve the people who live and work in rural communities.
Belinda Fawcett (Cornerstone’s Director of Property and Estates and General Counsel), Jonathan Harris from Connecting Cumbria and local MP Simon Fell visited Kirkby-in-Furness on the 1st of December with a team of acquisition and planning specialists to discuss how to develop the connectivity infrastructure needed to improve network coverage in the Lake District as part of the UK’s Shared Rural Network (SRN) Project.
The SRN Project will deliver reliable mobile broadband to 95% of the UK, addressing the digital divide by improving 4G coverage in the areas that need it most https://srn.org.uk/about/. We are proud to be delivering infrastructure for the SRN project.
The group met with local stakeholders and community members to share and gather information on how to develop connectivity infrastructure in the National Park, and to hear how a lack of coverage affects local residents, visitors and business owners.
Belinda Fawcett highlighted: As part of the UK Government’s multi-million-pound Shared Rural Network project, we continue to develop our network of base stations to ensure the infrastructure needed by the mobile operators, to improve connectivity in rural areas, is available. Listening to the communities around these potential developments is vital and allows us to understand their concerns and address these in the initial stages of our proposals.
The Cornerstone team were joined by Simon Fell MP who added: I was very glad to welcome this group to rural Furness to host a discussion on the importance of rolling out better mobile coverage to some of our most rural communities.
Hosting this forum in Grizebeck was essential – constituents only a stone’s throw away know the challenges that poor connectivity can bring first hand: inability to access services like banking online, a risk to life in winter months as climbers and walkers get stranded, and young people leaving the community, to name just a few.
As the Government’s Rural Connectivity Champion, I was delighted to bring local voices to this discussion, and will take back the discussion to the Secretary of State to unlock roll-out and get communities across the UK, like this one in Furness, better connected.
Can you introduce your partnership with Cornerstone?
Cluttons has partnered with Cornerstone since its inception. During this time, we have enjoyed developing a deep knowledge of the business and its people while applying our market insight and experience to their strategy and challenges.
Cluttons is a strategic property consultancy that offers property knowledge from a diverse group of experts. For over 20 years we have been the leader in property advice for mobile operators and fixed-line providers both in the UK and internationally.
The pace of change in the industry has been colossal. As Cornerstone’s outsourced estate’s function, it has enabled Cluttons to support and join Cornerstone on a journey, rolling out 4G and 5G and optimising its existing estate whilst guiding on and dealing with the complexities of changing legislation. The partnership’s ‘one team’ ethos has always allowed our team to feel like an extension of Cornerstone’s organisation and has further supported the collaborative approach to day-to-day delivery.
Cluttons provide a wide range of services for Cornerstone, including estate strategy, paying rent to their landlords, managing lease events such as renewals, rent reviews, access management, lift and shift, terminations and disposals. This means that in some cases we speak to landlords as frequently as Cornerstone, with many landlords having a longstanding relationship with our team members dating back 10-15 + years.
The partnership ‘one team’ approach is key for us and significantly underpins successful communication and our ability to deliver ultimate value.
What are the main changes you have seen in the UK over the years regarding telecoms infrastructure?
The global pandemic highlighted the importance of fast and reliable mobile and broadband connections. The shift in working patterns has resulted in expectations from people that we should have seamless connectivity, whether at home, on the move, or in the office. The UK Government has committed to being a world leader in 5G with access to the majority of the population by 2030.
Whilst things are improving rapidly, our research found that only 41% of consumers believe their mobile connection is fast and reliable enough to do what they want online. With the change in legislation of the Electronic Communications Code in 2017, rollout and upgrades are still not close to anticipated levels. Therefore, we believe there is still a wider educational piece to be developed and rolled out to all groups of people – consumers, businesses, local authorities, and MPs, to really highlight the meaning and value of connectivity.
With constant change occurring in the property and telecoms industry and the public demand for mobile connectivity, what do you think we can do to help our landlords keep up to date and better understand the importance of infrastructure?
It is fundamental that our landlords and the wider community (benefitting from the mast/electronic communications apparatus on their land) understand the true value of connectivity. Each site is integral to the network, and every landlord plays a part in keeping the UK connected and within immediate access to information. The recent research by Cluttons found that 84% of households have a smartphone, 36% of households use wearable technologies and 35% of households have a streaming media player. In light of this, the importance of widely available, good-quality connectivity has never been so evident. Millions in the UK have been confined to their homes and forced to rely on digital connectivity to access, and maintain, many aspects of their daily existence.
Cornerstone has produced some excellent content on this within the video hub on its website, and I highly recommend taking the time to view it.
What are the challenges we face in rolling out infrastructure?
Education is key. The fact that we are still encountering difficulties with the understanding and awareness within Local Authorities highlights the issues mobile operators face in rolling out and upgrading their networks. The research by Cluttons highlighted that Local Authorities can have a significant role to play in accelerating rollout and that having the funding and a digital strategy in place is critical to avoid being ‘left behind’. This is particularly important when compared to other advanced economies. Currently, within the G7 we are around 4th place, which we need to address quickly.
What do you think needs to be done to overcome these challenges?
A good starting place would be for all Local Authorities to appoint digital champions that are supported with budget and resources. This proposed appointment of digital champions will play a key role in developing and implementing a digital strategy and enabling a collaborative approach with mobile operators and fixed-line providers to improve connectivity within communities. We have seen some Local Authorities already taking this approach with real success – such as the collaborative approach the City of London is taking across the various London Boroughs, and the advances West Midlands 5G Authority has made with its digital strategy and implementation. Cornerstone has been doing some excellent work with Local Authorities to educate on the digital benefits for local areas by improving connectivity. The Shared Rural Network is an excellent example of the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) collaborative approach with the government to provide 4G coverage to 95% of the UK, enabling communities to thrive and benefit from digital connectivity. There is a significant investment from the MNOs c.£500m + to connect communities in the most remote rural locations to eliminate not-spots, highlighting the commitment to improving the UK’s digital infrastructure.
What do you think the impact would be on our communities if we don’t keep up with the pace needed?
I think it is simple. If we don’t keep up with the pace, we will be left behind on the world stage, and the much-needed levelling up of the UK will not be successful. Working collaboratively with all stakeholders to identify and remove barriers is fundamental if we are to achieve the government’s aspirations for almost complete 5G coverage by 2030. Fast, reliable connections are essential to ensure the country’s growth and economic resilience. Not only that, but they are crucial for each part of levelling up including education, regional employment and investment and access to health and social care. It will help support all regions of the UK to bounce back from the impacts of things like the global pandemic and succeed outside the EU, and address longstanding gaps in productivity and equality by adding value to all parts of the country.
As part of our Speed Up Britain campaign to promote the faster roll-out of infrastructure across the UK, we recently welcomed local MP’s to some of our sites to help them understand what we do and how their support can help local communities.
Our first visit was in North Wales with Clwyd South’s MP, Simon Baynes. Julian Shariff, our Head of Property & Estates and Kevin Wright, our Generalist & Incident Manager from the HQSE team, attended the site visit. We showed what is required when building a site and how we maintain the equipment. We provided information about The Code legislation and the impact of the recent Supreme Court decision on speeding up the roll-out of infrastructure.
Simon Baynes MP said: “I was very glad to have the opportunity to see and learn more about mobile infrastructure in Clwyd South – particularly as broadband and mobile connectivity is an issue on which my constituents are keen to see improvements. I was grateful to Kevin and Julian for showing me the site and for updating me on plans to deliver further infrastructure in Clwyd South and across the rest of North Wales.”
These visits were arranged to show local MP’s how our infrastructure enables communities to benefit from mobile connectivity. Their support is critical for our Speed Up Britain campaign, so our industry can upgrade equipment and build new sites quickly and efficiently to keep societies connected.
The pilot along Queen Victoria Street, passing well-known London sites including Bank and the Millennium Bridge, is expected to be live from October
Cornerstone holds a concession with the City of London Corporation to deliver a range of wireless communications
Mobile infrastructure services provider Cornerstone is partnering with Freshwave to deliver a mobile connectivity pilot to help future-proof the City Corporation’s small cell communication infrastructure. Freshwave, a leading UK connectivity infrastructure as a service provider, will be upgrading existing infrastructure in the Square Mile to make it capable of delivering multi-operator 4G and 5G connectivity at street level using dark fibre and small cells. If the pilot is successful, the ambition is for a City-wide deployment that will deliver faster mobile connectivity speeds across the Square Mile.
Part of Cornerstone’s concession with the City Corporation, the 10-site pilot will run along approximately 1km of Queen Victoria Street. It will pass sites such as Bank, Mansion House, the Millennium Bridge and Blackfriars and is expected to be live from October.
Freshwave will be installing or upgrading City Corporation street assets so that the same asset can be used by multiple mobile network operators (MNOs). The shareable infrastructure will allow improved connectivity while minimising the amount of street equipment. Using small cell technology, which enhances 4G and 5G connectivity, Freshwave will work with the MNOs to deliver an improved user experience for mobile users within the pilot area.
Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, said: “I’m pleased that we’re partnering with Cornerstone on this prestigious project. The City of London is one of the pre-eminent financial districts in the world and we’re proud to be bringing our leading multi-operator network service expertise to this pilot.”
Denis Coakley, Cornerstone’s COO, said: “As a long-standing partner of the City of London Corporation, we’re looking forward to facilitating the next step in the evolution of the City’s connectivity with Freshwave. Deploying the latest technology, in the newest ways, is critical to delivering the cutting-edge connectivity the City deserves.”
City of London Corporation Streets and Walkways Committee Chairman, Graham Packham, said: “This new deal will activate a 5G infrastructure pilot to all mobile networks this year which will make the City even more accessible and better connected for visitors, workers and residents. It is helping to drive forward momentum in the Square Mile’s recovery from the pandemic and will boost the City’s attractiveness for talent.”
Bespoke antennas will be installed on the upgraded infrastructure and with multiple pieces of telecoms equipment being housed in the accompanying cabinets, there will be fewer devices needed on the street assets themselves. The cabinets will be connected via dark fibre.
Ends
About Freshwave
Freshwave invests expertise and capital in ways that make digital infrastructure remarkably simple. Faster, less costly and in the right places. It’s the network service provider bringing mobile operators, central and local government, and real estate providers together to work in new ways. Their managed sites include some of the biggest, most challenging wireless environments in the UK, including several central London boroughs and Docklands. With 6000+ mast site locations, 2000+ buildings connected and 200+ outdoor networks supported; they ensure everyone has network. Backed by DigitalBridge, they too combine technical telecoms and commercial real estate know-how to create long-term market impact. To learn more, visit www.freshwavegroup.com.
About City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.
About DigitalBridge
DigitalBridge (NYSE: DBRG) is a leading global digital infrastructure REIT. With a heritage of over 25 years investing in and operating businesses across the digital ecosystem including cell towers, data centres, fibre, small cells, and edge infrastructure, the DigitalBridge team manages a $45 billion portfolio of digital infrastructure assets on behalf of its limited partners and shareholders. Headquartered in Boca Raton, DigitalBridge has key offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Singapore. For more information on DigitalBridge, visit www.digitalbridge.com.
As supporters of the Speed Up Britain campaign, Cornerstone attended the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester last week.
Speed Up Britain took part in the “Bridging the digital divide” event at the conference, hosted by The Centre of Policy Studies. Speakers at this event included:
Matt Warman MP, Former Minister for Digital Infrastructure;
The Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chair of Speed Up Britain & Former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry;
Matthew Fell, Chief UK Policy Director, CBI; Cllr Kelham Cooke, member of the LGA’s Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport Board and leader of South Kesteven Council;
Nick King, Research Fellow, Centre for Policy Studies.
The event discussed how households and businesses can access connectivity more quickly and effectively and what we can do to improve our digital economy.
As the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, Cornerstone supports these discussions to help enhance the coverage and connectivity for our communities across the UK.
View the full “Bridging the Digital Divide” eventhere.
The City of London has launched a new report today on “The Square Mile: Future City”, produced by the City Corporation’s Recovery Taskforce in partnership with Oliver Wyman. The report sets out a vision for the next five years with detailed actions to enhance the City’s competitiveness and attractiveness.
Read the full press release and report to find out how Cornerstone’s pilot on Queen Victoria Street with the City of London will help demonstrate that mobile infrastructure can support the requirements of the four licensed mobile network operators.
Cornerstone is the exclusive partner to the City of London Corporation for the deployment of small cell and rooftop infrastructure. If successful, there will be a City-wide deployment that will deliver 5G coverage across the Square Mile by the end of 2022.
Cornerstone is excited to hear the news on the collaboration of O2, Vodafone and Three to build and share 222 mobile masts to boost 4G rural coverage as part of the Shared Rural Network Programme. Along with the announcement today from DCMS on the consultation of the Electronic Communications Code, this is a positive step towards meeting connectivity demands and building networks for our future. As the UK’s leading Tower infrastructure company, we welcome the efforts by the industry and the government to make it easier and quicker to deploy and upgrade mobile infrastructure across the UK.
O2, THREE AND VODAFONE AGREE NEW DEAL TO ENHANCE RURAL COVERAGE
Mobile operators to build and share 222 mobile masts to boost 4G rural coverage.
All four nations of the United Kingdom set to benefit from new investment to eliminate Partial Not Spots.
This programme will deliver the first stage of the £1bn Shared Rural Network.
O2, Three and Vodafone will partner to build and share 222 new mobile masts to boost rural coverage across the United Kingdom and deliver the first stage of the Shared Rural Network* (SRN).
This programme of investment will increase coverage in each of the UK nations. 124 new sites will be built in Scotland, 33 in Wales, 11 in Northern Ireland, and 54 in England, with each operator leading on 74 of the new sites.
The construction of the new masts will commence in 2021 and is scheduled to be completed by 2024 in line with the agreement reached with the UK Government and Ofcom.
The three mobile operators will now engage with local stakeholders and other key parties to ensure a timely and efficient roll out that unlocks the benefits of 4G for these rural communities offering customers in very remote areas increased choice and fuller value from their contracts where they live, work or travel.
The exact number and location of masts will be subject to finding suitable sites, obtaining power supply and backhaul and securing the necessary permissions through the planning system.
The new investment as part of the programme, will extend the proportion of UK landmass where all mobile networks provide 4G services from 67% to 84%, and virtually eliminate Partial Not Spots (PNSs) – areas where at least one, but not all four of the UK’s mobile networks provide 4G coverage.
In addition to this privately funded SRN investment, the Government will also spend over £500m to go even further to eliminate areas where there is no 4G coverage from any operator. This will result in every mobile operator reaching 90% of UK landmass, with a combined coverage of 95%.
In Northern Ireland the SRN will see 4G coverage rise to at least 85% of landmass from 75%; in Scotland it will rise to at least 74% from 42%; in England it will rise from 81% to 90%; and in Wales it will rise to at least 80% from 58%.
Matt Warman, Minister for Digital Infrastructure, said:
“I’m delighted to see major progress being made to banish ‘not spots’ of poor or patchy mobile coverage. This new infrastructure will unlock the potential of rural communities in all four nations and offer greater choice of fast and reliable 4G services.
“As part of this new Shared Rural Network the government is also investing half a billion pounds on new masts in areas without any signal at all meaning no one is left behind.”
Mark Evans, CEO of O2, said:
“The Shared Rural Network is a new and more collaborative way of delivering greater investment in infrastructure to improve mobile digital connectivity – a high impact enabler of economic growth. I am delighted that O2 is working in partnership with other mobile operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network, which will support individuals, businesses and communities across rural Britain.”
Robert Finnegan, CEO of Three UK, said:
“Mobile connectivity is absolutely critical for communities around the UK helping to support local economies and keeping people connected with their friends and family. The Shared Rural Network will have a transformative effect on coverage across the UK and it is great to be working with the rest of the industry to achieve this.”
Nick Jeffery, CEO of Vodafone UK, said:
“We know connectivity is vital and the only way to fill the holes in the UK’s mobile coverage is to work together. Our unique collaboration with O2 and Three will deliver 222 new sites in parts of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that need better connectivity. Delivering the Shared Rural Network will make a huge difference to communities across the UK.”
The news comes as the government launches a consultation on whether reforms to the Electronic Communications Code are needed to ensure that the deployment, upgrading and sharing of digital infrastructure such as phone masts can happen as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The Shared Rural Network is a £1bn programme to improve rural mobile coverage and was agreed by the mobile network operators, Government and Ofcom in March 2020. Funded by the mobile industry and Government, investment will be made in new and existing phone masts to increase all operators’ 4G coverage to at least 90% of UK landmass and their aggregate coverage to 95% by 2026. It will provide guaranteed coverage to an additional 280,000 premises and 16,000km of roads and boost ‘in car’ coverage on around 45,000 km of road and better indoor coverage in around 1.2m business premises and homes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, the way we work, and the way we socialise.
We have all had to adapt to a new style of living. And it’s not been without its challenges.
The importance of mobile connectivity is not a new matter, but the pandemic has reinforced what we already know – that connectivity is an essential element of our lives.
As we continue to social distance, we will become even more dependent on digital services like working from home more often, attending virtual GP appointments, joining online events and much more. A recent research study* showed that 63% of young workers rely more on mobile internet for work now than before COVID-19.
Now more than before, it is critical that we stay digitally connected to these services.
So, how do we ensure the relevant industries work together with Government to keep up with the increasing public demand for mobile technology?
No doubt, the Government’s digital strategy will be a key focus to continue to support society and businesses during these unprecedented times. But this requires a collaborative effort from mobile operators, the landlord community and the property and legal industries. Delivering digital connectivity across the UK, requires effective roll-out and upgrades of mobile infrastructure and we need to work together to achieve this.
Coming up to three years since its revision, the Electronic Communications Code legislation (ECC) continues to act as a framework to help the industry agree on terms when it comes to the placing of mobile infrastructure and equipment on sites. However, the legislation still carries some challenges, and this poses a risk to deploying and upgrading the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Are tribunals providing the clarity we need?
Tribunal cases continue to help provide guidance to landowners and operators, but decisions are not crystal clear, and we are still on a journey exploring what the ECC means for all parties. A recent example of a case that caused some uncertainty was the Court of Appeal decision in Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited and Compton Beauchamp Estates Limited [2019] EWCA CIV 1755. The ECC gives code operators certain rights over land – code rights. This includes the right to install and keep installed electronic communications apparatus on under or overland. The issue that arose in Compton was the identity of “the relevant person” for the purposes of conferring code rights – i.e. who grants the agreement.
Cornerstone has now been given permission to appeal Compton to the Supreme Court. The first ECC case that will get to our highest court, we anticipate in 2021.
In January, the Court of Appeal will hear the appeal in the Ashloch case (Cornerstone Telecommunications Limted and Ashloch Limited (1) AP Wireless II (UK) Limited (2).
These are cases setting the framework to provide greater certainty to industry and to enable operators to re-invest in their networks. Fine tuning the ECC At Cornerstone, we have supported the government’s intention behind, and been at the forefront of implementing the Code for the acquisition and maintenance of our infrastructure – which is placed on rooftops, greenfield sites and street work sites. Although court decisions have given guidance on key principles during these past few years, it’s become apparent that the ECC requires further improvements to enhance its intended use.
To help overcome this, in July this year, Cornerstone supported the launch of Speed Up Britain – a lobbying campaign calling for the Government to improve the ECC to support the swift deployment of mobile infrastructure across the UK.
Speed Up Britain is chaired by Rt Hon Ed Vaizey, the former Minister for the Digital Economy between 2014 and 2016, and Member of Parliament for Wantage between 2005 and 2019 and backed by the key industry organisations who are responsible for delivering the UK’s mobile infrastructure. The objective of the joint campaign is to work with Government to implement specific changes to the ECC to enhance the way that operators install and upgrade new technologies on mobile sites.
It goes without saying, digital connectivity has been keeping the UK connected but experiencing a pandemic has shown even more the importance of future-proofing our digital strategy across the UK.
Carlos Pierce, Head of Legal Projects Strategy & The Code Programme at Cornerstone
To find out more about the ECC, visit our code hub
The Electronic Communications Code legislation was updated in December 2017 with the intention to make the roll-out of mobile infrastructure quicker and more cost-effective. Cornerstone, along with other organisations has recently launched a campaign, Speed Up Britain, to further support the Government with the Code.
The objective of the campaign is to help identify how the Code can be improved to better enable operators to install and upgrade new technologies on mobile sites.
The following is a statement from Vodafone, Telefónica, EE and Three, demonstrating the telecommunications industry coming together on protecting the nation’s critical mobile infrastructure.
Protecting our critical infrastructure
To our customers,
Our networks provide essential connectivity to our emergency services and the NHS; they enable families to check in on their isolated or vulnerable loved ones; parents to teach their children from home, and millions to be informed and entertained as they stay home.
We are 100% focused on making sure the UK’s mobile and broadband networks are resilient, ensuring you, your families and businesses, can keep connected when you need it most.
Sadly, we have experienced cases of vandals setting fire to mobile masts, disrupting critical infrastructure and spreading false information suggesting a connection between 5G and the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no scientific evidence of any link between 5G and coronavirus. Fact.
Stopping this is critical to keeping your communities connected.
Not only are these claims baseless, they are harmful for the people and businesses that rely on the continuity of our services. They have also led to the abuse of our engineers and, in some cases, prevented essential network maintenance taking place.
Please help us to make this stop. If you witness abuse of our key workers please report it. If you see misinformation, please call it out. Your help will make a real difference.
Thank you for your support as we work together to keep our nation connected.
