EE to extend rural coverage using micro-networks

EE plans to extend its coverage around the UK to include more reliable voice services, in addition to 3G and 4G data services, using micro-networks.

The technology has been tested in the Cumbrian village of Sebergham, connecting 129 households and small businesses using three meshed' small antennas.

These connected antennas remove the need to install full-sized masts and reduce disruption because sub-cables don't need to be installed.

Cumbria County Councillor Duncan Fairbairn said: "The mobile service here is either non-existent or spasmodic at best. And the broadband is incredibly slow and very unreliable.

"We're delighted to be the first community in the UK to benefit from this EE initiative, and there are more villages in my parish that I know will benefit hugely from this, and they're excited to be connected next."

The system also doesn't require fixed broadband to give full coverage and EE says it's this that makes the solution completely unique. Antennas are installed on local buildings in hours rather than days and no planning permission is required, making it faster to roll out.

EE CEO Olaf Swantee said: "With this innovative new technology, we have the capability to connect every community in the UK, and we estimate that we'll be able to bring reliable voice coverage and high speed mobile broadband to more than 1,500 places for the first time by 2017.

"We've been working closely with government on the long-term ambition to bring voice coverage to more of the UK, and we believe that this world-first technology will demonstrate significant advancements against that vision."

EE said it is investigating areas that may benefit from this type of service and those suitable will start to see micro-networks installed from early 2015.