Pinsent Masons advises on GBP1bn rural network deal to improve UK mobile coverage

16 Mar 2020 | 11:12 am | 1 min. read

International law firm, Pinsent Masons, has advised the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on a successful landmark £1 billion deal with the UK's four largest mobile network operators (MNOs) to create the 'shared rural network' arrangement and improve mobile coverage across the country.

Under the arrangement, EE, O2, Three and Vodafone and the government will co-invest in addressing both full and partial 'not spots' where none, or only some, of the operators offer existing mobile coverage. The target is that extra coverage will be provided to 280,000 premises and along 16,000km of roads.

Pinsent Masons advised DCMS on the initiative, including on the funding agreement and a range of legal and regulatory aspects of the deal.

The Pinsent Masons' team acting on the transaction included Simon Colvin (Partner), Justin Chan (Legal Director), Nick Hutton (Associate) and Elaine Mclean (Associate). 

Commenting on the deal, Partner and Head of TMT at Pinsent Masons, Simon Colvin said:

"It has been fantastic to work on such an important and pioneering deal. It's incredibly positive to see the successful outcome of the collaborative forces between the government and mobile network operators. They have worked together in determining an innovative, industry-led solution to the challenge of total and partial 'not spots' in mobile coverage in the UK enabling a step change in mobile connectivity." 

Melissa Giordano, Deputy Director Mobile Infrastructure & Spectrum, at DCMS said:

"The team at Pinsent Masons worked closely with us throughout and provided forward-thinking advice to ensure the final outcome was one that worked for everyone." 

 

Key Contacts

Simon Colvin

Simon Colvin

Partner, Head of Client Relationships – Key Markets

View Profile

Latest press releases

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons has advised Tokai Carbon on the sale of its German subsidiary TOKAI ERFTCARBON GmbH

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. (“Tokai Carbon”) on the sale of its German subsidiary TOKAI ERFTCARBON GmbH (“TEG”), to Lenbach Equity Opportunities III. GmbH & Co. KG, which is exclusively advised by DUBAG Investment Advisory GmbH (“DUBAG”).

Pinsent Masons advises on Shackleton exit

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised the shareholders of independent financial advisory and wealth management firm Shackleton, including the private equity buy-and-build specialist Sovereign Capital Partners, on the exit to Lee Equity Partners.

Pinsent Masons named by The Times as a Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has been announced by Business in the Community as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2025. This year’s list marks the sixth time that the firm has been recognised for its commitment to embedding gender equality into all levels of the organisation.

People who viewed this press release also viewed

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons promotes 24 to global partnership

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has today announced its latest round of partner promotions, with 24 set to join its global partnership on 1 May.

Pinsent Masons announces approval for opening of new office in China

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons is continuing its expansion in Asia Pacific having received government approval to open our third office in mainland China.

Pinsent Masons hires key construction disputes expert in the Middle East

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons welcomes Rena L. Scott to the partnership in the Middle East.

For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on

+44 (0)20 7418 8199 or 

Location contacts

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.