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
Latest press releases
Show me all press releasesPinsent Masons reinforces Middle East financial services practice with new hire
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed Marie Chowdhry as partner in its financial services practice in the Middle East. Previously a Senior Associate with the firm, Marie will re-join the Dubai office on 5 February.
Pinsent Masons advises RRD on the acquisition of Williams Lea
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) on its acquisition of business support services provider Williams Lea from private equity investor, Advent.
Pinsent Masons advises on the insolvency proceedings of German aerospace start up Lilium
Multinational Pinsent Masons has advised the administrator of Lilium N.V. on the firm’s insolvency proceedings. Lilium N.V. is the holding company of Lilium GmbH and Lilium eAircraft GmbH. All three entities have been in German insolvency proceedings since October 2024.
People who viewed this press release also viewed
Show me all press releasesPinsent 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.
Pinsent Masons continues expansion in Australia with two senior corporate appointments
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has continued its expansion in Australia with the appointment of partner James Stewart and special counsel Roger Hawkins to our corporate team.
Pinsent Masons advises syndicate of Taiwanese banks on funding of New South Wales warehouse project
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised KGI Bank Co., Ltd, Taishin International Bank Co., Ltd and O-Bank Limited on the above A$100 million funding of the construction of a warehouse and distribution facility in Sydney’s western suburbs.
For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on
Location contacts
Europe: [email protected]
Asia: [email protected]
Middle East: [email protected]
Australia: [email protected]