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<p>Improving mobile connectivity across the whole of the UK is a priority for the
Government. The Ofcom licence obligations arising from the December 2014 agreement
mean that the four Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have a legally binding obligation
to provide voice/SMS text coverage to at least 90% of the UK’s landmass by end-2017.
Additionally Telefonica (O2) has a licence obligation to deliver indoor 4G coverage
to 98% of UK premises (95% in Scotland and the other Devolved Administrations.) The
Digital Economy Bill, currently going through Parliament, will give the regulator
Ofcom the power to issue large fines to mobile phone companies who fail to meet their
licence obligations.</p><p> </p><p>The Government's agreement with the MNOs locked
in investment of £5 billion and is delivering improved coverage across the UK. Ofcom's
2016 Connected Nations Report shows that 98% of Scottish premises now have indoor
voice coverage and 62% have indoor 4G data coverage from all four MNOs (up from 22%
in 2015). Our proposed reforms of the Electronic Communications Code, will support
further investment and improvements in connectivity across the UK and reduce not spots.</p>
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