Mel Stride MP has welcomed the announcement from O2 that seven communities with his constituency will benefit from improved 4G connectivity over the next six months. Overall, 250,000 rural residents across the country in over 330 communities will benefit from the investment, worth a potential £45million to the UK economy. Rural businesses, particularly those in tourism, transport and manufacturing are set to benefit the most according to a report conducted by Development Economics.
4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone technology and provides internet download/upload speeds around 10 times faster than 3G as well as clearer voice calls. Someone who is not connected to a Wi-fi network can use 4G to access the internet, including sending and receiving emails and searching online. The communities in Mr Stride’s constituency that are set to benefit are Silverton, Ellerhayes, Bradninch, Moretonhampstead, South Zeal, Whiddon Down and South Tawton.
Commenting, Mel said:
“Access to 4G technology delivers a wide range of benefits, in particular to businesses. A tourist visiting our beautiful part of the country might well be in one of these communities looking for a pub, a particular shop or a post office and if they have 4G access can quickly search for what they are after. The ability for tradesmen and other workers who are often out of the office to pick up emails while they are out and about is also important. I am delighted that seven communities in my constituency, home to more than seven thousand residents, will soon be benefiting from improved coverage.”
