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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
for each of them 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. 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. Data from Ofcom's 2016 Connected Nations Report shows that
over 97% of premises in Lancashire now have indoor voice coverage from at least one
MNO, while 96% have indoor 4G data coverage from at least one MNO (73% from all four).
Our recent mobile planning reforms for England (November 2016) and 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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