Rural businesses across Britain are set to receive an overall economic boost of approximately £141m per annum from 4G connectivity, according to new economic research commissioned by O2 and conducted by Development Economics. The mobile network operator is today committing to improve 4G connectivity for a further 339 rural communities, from Drumoak to Lizard, by the end of 2018.
The report, entitled ‘The Benefits of Connecting Rural Communities’, predicts that improved 4G connectivity will benefit over 14,000 rural businesses, boosting their collective revenue3 by as much as £141m per annum. A year on, the revenue boost to rural businesses could also inject an additional £44.6m in additional GVA4.
The tourism and hospitality sector is set to benefit the most from O2’s rural network rollout. According to the report, O2’s rollout is expected to create an additional £57.7m in additional revenue a year after completion, as rural businesses take advantage of new opportunities and efficiencies mobile connectivity offers to attract customers and save time and money.
Rural manufacturers and transport businesses are also predicted to gain from enhanced 4G connectivity, with an estimated additional £24.1m and £15.4m in revenue respectively.
Derek McManus, COO at Telefonica UK, commented: “We know mobile has the power to make a real, positive difference to people’s lives and businesses in rural communities across Britain. That’s why we’re proud to be investing in 4G connectivity for more than 330 rural areas by the end of this year”.
Margot James, Digital Minister, said: "4G coverage is improving all the time, but there's more to do, particularly in rural areas. We've already reformed planning laws to make it easier and cheaper to install and upgrade digital infrastructure, and it's great to see O2 and the rest of industry responding to ensure more people in rural Britain can share the brilliant benefits of 4G connectivity".