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<p>The Government announced on 9 March that it had signed the deal with the Mobile
Network Operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network programme, which will see them
collectively increase 4G coverage throughout the United Kingdom to 95% by end-2025.
The Shared Rural Network is a programme to improve 4G coverage across the landmass
of the UK, rather than offshore. As a result of the Shared Rural Network, it is possible
that offshore coverage may be improved near ports or ferry routes, or adjacent to
coastal population centres. This is not guaranteed, however, because exact deployment
plans will be managed by the Mobile Network Operators themselves, in order for them
to best deliver the coverage outcomes for the programme. Furthermore, the current
4G spectrum licenses issued by Ofcom to the Mobile Network Operators limit 4G coverage
to the UK and the UK Territorial Sea (up to 12 nautical miles).</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>At
the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2019, the UK signed an international treaty
ensuring global coordination of radio spectrum frequencies. These regulations are
of great importance to the international maritime community because they help minimise
the likelihood of interference and allow for the unconditional operation of critical
nautical safety communications. However, these regulations also impose certain measures
to limit interference between countries and can therefore impact on 4G offshore coverage
potential for fishing vessels.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>DCMS supports improvements
in maritime communications and is currently monitoring developments in alternative
communications technologies that could provide better connectivity to fishing vessels,
where coverage from land based systems is limited. Some vessels may already have these
technologies installed for safety related requirements.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>DCMS
also recognises the importance of the maritime sector for the UK economy and is aware
of its dependence on suitable maritime communications services. We will continue to
work closely with Ofcom and other government departments to ensure the interests of
this sector in telecoms are adequately considered.</p><p> </p>
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