The Mobile Operators Association has entered into a deal with National Parks England to offer better mobile coverage to people visiting the parks without causing any environment issue.
The Mobile Operators Association representing major network operators including EE, O2, Three and Vodafone announced that it has entered an agreement with National Parks England that will allow them to carry out work in all ten England national parks to boost mobile connectivity in the area.
In order to eliminate negative environmental impact, the operators will be encouraged to share masts that would prevent the need of building new structures in the parks.
However, where necessary, the operators will come up with less intrusive designs and alternative proposals that will ensure networks are deployed without affecting the rich wildlife and cultural heritage of the parks.
Jim Bailey, Chair of National Parks England and the North York Moors National Park, said the move that will ensure good and consistent mobile coverage will boost lives of people living and working in the National Parks and will also be appreciated by millions who visit them.
Communications minister Ed Vaizey also backed the landmark deal saying that people living and working in the National parks also need access to the modern communications and this new agreement could make a real difference to those who live, work or visit the glorious National Parks.
The initiative launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Department for Communities and Local Government will cover Broads Authority, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, North York Moors, Northumberland, Peak District, South Downs and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities.
