50 existing phone masts across the country have been upgraded to give a boost to mobile signals in rural areas.

Tourists and hikers exploring beauty spots and national parks, including Eryri and Lake District, will now benefit from a boost in mobile coverage, helping them plan routes and receive live weather updates for safer outdoor adventures.

More than 50 mobile masts, previously only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999, have now been upgraded to provide coverage from all mobile network operators.

By upgrading existing masts, the visual and natural impact on the environment will be limited.

These masts cover a footprint equivalent to the size of 66,470 football pitches, and over half of them are providing new coverage to areas of outstanding natural beauty or national parks.

The rollout is part of the Shared Rural Network programme led by the UK Government and mobile network operators to improve connectivity in rural communities across Britain.

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "The growth potential of our areas of outstanding natural beauty must not be stunted by patchy internet.  

"This milestone is a major step forward for better connectivity for all corners of the UK meaning everyone can reap the benefits of the digital age. From boosting tourism and business opportunities to providing safer outdoors experiences for visitors to our treasured countryside."