The scenic village of Clocaenog in Denbighshire had been without reliable mobile phone coverage for decades until a partnership between BT, Denbighshire County Council, Clocaenog Community Council and the Welsh Government was launched to plug the gap by bringing EE’s award-winning network to the area. The project is also supported by additional funding from the Brenig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Residents and businesses in Clocaenog can now benefit from high-speed EE mobile connectivity, with the UK’s best and most reliable mobile network¹ available across the village, helping people to stay connected whether they're working remotely, accessing services online, exploring the local area, or keeping in touch with family and friends.

Installed on an existing lamppost in the centre of the village, the technology provides an innovative way of extending mobile coverage into rural communities, helping tackle long-standing ‘not-spots’ in areas where traditional infrastructure can be more challenging to deploy.

Kris Longworth, a resident of Clocaenog for over four years, said: “The new EE coverage has made a huge difference to everyday life here. Before, getting a mobile signal meant travelling outside the village, whereas now I can make calls around my home and stay connected while out walking locally. As someone who works from home, that flexibility makes a real difference, allowing me to keep on top of messages and calls when I'm away from my desk. It's also reassuring to know that if our broadband goes down, or if family members need to get in touch while they're out and about, we now have a reliable way to stay connected. For a rural community like ours, it's been a real game-changer."

Susi Marston, Head of Public Sector Wales at BT Business, said: “Bringing mobile connectivity to Clocaenog gives residents and local businesses opportunities they have never been able to access before. This partnership has been entirely focussed on working together to provide the community here with better connections to services, stronger links between people and more confidence to grow and plan for the future. Using ‘mini masts’ means we are able to deliver the network services people need in a way which respects the unique character of the area.”

Adam Price, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said: "Digital not-spots that cut communities off from modern life and economic opportunity have no place in our vision for Wales. As the new Welsh Government, we are committed to driving investment, innovation and higher productivity across Wales, and innovative projects like this will play an important part in delivering the stronger connectivity needed for the future Wales we want to foster.”

The project in Clocaenog is the latest example of how BT, local authorities and government are working together to help tackle mobile not-spots in rural communities across Wales.  It follows BT’s announcement earlier this year that EE had become the first UK operator to deliver reliable mobile connectivity the Welsh village of Penmachno in the Machno Valley, a few miles south of Betws-y-Coed. It also builds on BT’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital infrastructure throughout Wales, having invested more than £500 million in fixed and mobile connectivity across the country since 2020.

¹Claims based on the RootMetrics® UK RootScore® Report: H2 2025. Tested at locations across the UK with the best commercially available smartphones on 4 national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of EE. Visit ee.co.uk/claims for more details.

Photo credit: Natural Resources Wales

Why BT Mobile, Why Now?

Customers no longer think of connectivity as separate services. They want reliability from a provider they trust and better value without compromising on performance. In a market where tariffs can feel overly complex, there is a clear opportunity to offer something simpler: easy-to-understand mobile plans built around the needs of BT broadband customers.

They want:

• Reliable home and mobile connectivity
• Simple, transparent mobile tariffs
• Help choosing the right plan
• Easier service management and control
• Confidence in service and support
• Better value from a provider they trust

These new BT Mobile plans are designed to meet those needs.

BT Mobile brings those benefits together in a more joined-up experience, with better value and greater simplicity for BT customers.

Great Value, Built Around Customer Needs

Great value sits at the heart of the new BT Mobile plans.

By bringing mobile and broadband together, we can offer real value without added complexity. Plans start from just £9 per month for 10GB of data when bundled with BT broadband, making it easier for households to stay connected for less.

The new tariff structure is deliberately straightforward: four clear data plans, flexible 30-day terms, and benefits included as standard, so customers can more easily choose the option that is right for them.

Value does not mean compromise. All BT Mobile plans include:

• EU roaming included as standard, so customers can stay connected while travelling
• Spam Protect, helping block scam and nuisance calls before they reach you
• Flexible terms, with 30-day rolling contracts so customers can scale data up or down as their needs change

Customers can choose from four clear data options – 10GB, 15GB, 30GB or 75GB – making it easier to find the right plan.

This is about delivering everyday value through simple, transparent tariffs.

BT Mobile Plans with Security in Mind

BT Mobile plans are also built on the security leadership we offer our customers.

At BT, we employ thousands of security experts and deploy network-level protections every second to help safeguard our network and customers from cyber threats.BT Mobile customers benefit from network-level blocks on spoof and suspicious numbers, alongside Scam Protect for added security.

UK’s most reliable mobile network

BT Mobile plans provide access to the UK’s most reliable mobile network, covering more than 99% of the population and over 90% of the UK’s geography. Customers also benefit from award-winning 5G in more places, supporting a faster, more dependable experience.

Trust is central to the BT brand, and it underpins everything we are delivering with BT Mobile – from tariff design to the quality, security and support behind it.

Customers can expect:

• Reliable performance built on proven infrastructure
• Strong coverage where it matters most
• A service experience grounded in transparency

Reliability is not just about connection. It is about knowing your service will be there when you need it, whether at home, at work or on the move.

Strengthening BT for the Future

BT Mobile is a key step in strengthening the BT proposition for the future and sharpening how we serve loyal broadband customers.

By bringing mobile and broadband closer together, we are:

• Deepening relationships with customers through a broader connectivity offer
• Offering better value through integrated broadband and mobile services

This reflects a clear focus on what BT has long stood for: dependable connectivity, trusted service and products that meet customer needs in a more converged market.

What This Means for Customers

For customers, the message is clear:

BT Mobile is back – simpler, more affordable and built around customer needs.

Whether you are already with BT or considering making the switch, BT Mobile offers:

• A simpler way to stay connected
• Better value when combined with broadband
• A service you can trust

It is about making life easier and ensuring that staying connected does not come at a premium.

That’s what we mean when we say BT is Behind Brilliant Things. This is just the beginning of our investment in the BT brand, and in the products and services that showcase our network, with more exciting launches planned for customers over time.

Get Started Today

To explore the new plans, see how much you could save by bundling, and get started, visit: https://www.bt.com/mobile

BT will provide 23,000 mobile connections across EE’s award-winning network supporting easyJet’s operations in 35 countries and over 150 airports, from Gatwick to Gran Canaria.

The airline provider will use the EE network to connect a range of devices and will enable all pilots and cabin crew to seamlessly access flight information and real-time training on the go.

BT will also support easyJet to: 

• Deliver smart messaging to keep customers updated on their flight

• Connect iPads that pilots and crew use to provide real-time flight information

• Connect smartphones, mobile phones and aircraft phones to allow seamless communication between airline colleagues

• Provide laptops and other hardware for workers.

All devices will be equipped with eSIMs, offering a smarter, more efficient way to manage mobile connectivity.

eSIMs enable remote setup, enhance security, reduce costs, and simplify logistics—supporting global operations while reducing waste and improving user experience.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer at BT Business, said: “This partnership with easyJet is about delivering the smart, seamless connectivity which is crucial when operating at scale.

“By equipping thousands of devices with eSIMs on EE’s award-winning network, we’re enabling easyJet to manage connections remotely, switch networks across borders, and reduce the complexity of traditional SIMs.

“It’s a future-ready solution that enhances security, boosts efficiency, and keeps teams connected when they need it most.”

The report calls for UK Government to support accelerated mobile network deployment by reforming planning laws and significantly increasing the availability of spectrum to ensure consumers and businesses have access to the best possible mobile networks and to underpin UK economic growth and innovation.

BT’s “Driving Growth: The £230bn Opportunity of Improved Mobile Networks” report, developed in collaboration with Assembly Research, found that improved 5G standalone (5GSA) coverage could enable more than £88bn in economic growth through the industrial adoption of new technologies - such as AI and machine learning.

One of the key benefits that new 5GSA networks can deliver is a significant increase in network capacity available to UK society, enterprise and public sector users, particularly through the ability to provide dedicated bandwidth and advanced specifications to individual users. BT’s report estimates that this will bring positive impact to a broad range of areas in the UK, including:

• Road and Rail:  Investing to improve rail coverage could result in £12bn in additional productivity by 2035, while improving road connectivity to 100% coverage could result in a £45bn opportunity for the UK through enabling autonomous vehicles.
• Rural Economy: Investing in improved 4G and 5GSA coverage could add as much as £3bn into the UK’s rural economy by 2035.
• Built up areas: In addition to the potential £88bn in growth from new technologies, improved 5GSA coverage could enable as much as £26bn of added economic value from accelerated drone adoption by 2035. In the same timeframe, an added £9.5bn could be unlocked for the UK’s broadcast, digital advertising and consumer media sectors.

The findings also highlight that, if more reliable UK mobile networks were available, increased use of mobile backup options could become more attractive for some businesses. Doubling the take up of these options would result in recovery of c.£7.9bn in productivity as a result of reduced down time. The research also shows a further £37bn of benefits could be unlocked through supporting the modernisation of the energy grid.

Existing research about the potential benefits of improved mobile networks for health, education and workplace safety are also featured in the BT report.

Howard Watson, Chief Security and Networks Officer, BT Group said: "We’re proud to be the biggest investor in the UK’s networks, having spent billions in the last five years to deliver improved connectivity for communities in every corner of the UK. But the way we use mobile connectivity is evolving, and as the demands on network capacity increase and retail pricing remains comparatively low, greater support is needed to unlock more private sector investment.

“To deliver the networks the nation needs for the future, we need greater collaboration with the government and regulator, as well as support from local communities and councils – so that everyone in the UK can reap the life-changing benefits connectivity brings. Reforming planning laws and opening up spectrum access would help accelerate the deployment of these critical networks.

This report proves that delivering secure, reliable and powerful mobile networks brings enormous value to consumers and businesses, fuelling the UK economy.”

Matthew Howett, Founder & CEO, Assembly Research said: “Our modelling suggests the UK stands to gain as much as £230bn in economic benefit from more advanced, resilient and widely available mobile coverage. Improved mobile connectivity supports increased productivity on rail journeys, reduced downtime from outages and the adoption of a range of emerging technologies. As the Government continues to work on executing its agenda for economic growth, our modelling shows that investment in mobile connectivity delivers significant benefits across the whole of the UK.”

BT’s “Driving Growth: The £230bn Opportunity of Improved Mobile Networks” report can be downloaded here.

About this study

BT Group commissioned Assembly to model the economic and/or social benefits to the UK that could be delivered by addressing low mobile network quality through different investment options including improvements to road and rail coverage, improved network resilience, and improved coverage and capacity in rural areas.

About Assembly

Founded in 2017, Assembly is an independent, London-based analyst firm providing custom and subscription-based research on regulatory, policy and legislative developments that affect communications markets and the wider digital economy. For more information visit assemblyresearch.co.uk

The connectivity will enable reliable reporting of real-time data on things like water quality, extreme weather events, flood risks and the spread of disease through farming crops or livestock.

It will also support workers across the Department and its Cluster Members including The Environment Agency, Animal, Plant & Health Agency, Natural England, Marine Management Organisation and The Rural Payment Agency. 

Andy Rowe, BT’s Director of Central Government, said: “It’s a privilege to welcome DEFRA to the EE network and to support their mission to restore and enhance the environment for the next generation. 

“Their workers perform critical work across the UK and it’s vital they are provided with reliable network coverage, especially in times of crisis.”

DEFRA will also benefit from EE’s significant investment in the UK’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), enhancing 4G coverage in the country’s most rural areas, enabling both field and office-based  DEFRA employees to work effectively.

BT has also committed to support DEFRA’s carbon reduction ambitions as part of the deal. It will be given access to key tools including eSim capability and BT’s Carbon Dashboard, which provides visibility of electricity consumption and carbon emissions at an individual workload and application level to help minimise waste and reduce carbon-generating activities.

Andy Rowe added: “For organisations with large fleets and field workers, hybrid working is about more than just home and office spaces. Staying connected on the go is critical for DEFRA’s workers who rely on mobile connectivity to operate effectively and serve the wider public community daily or in emergency situations.”

BT is unrivalled in its experience delivering the UK’s critical connectivity infrastructure, with its fixed and mobile networks trusted to underpin essential public services across the nation. 

As well as connecting national and local government, BT works with more than 200 NHS trusts, 43 police forces, 29 fire services and has supported the emergency services by handling all incoming 999 calls since 1937. 

But it is a world apart from what we, as a society, now demand from our digital communications. Today, just 0.1 percent of all data on our entire EE mobile network is carried over 2G.  

As a result, all mobile operators have committed to the UK Government to close their 2G networks by 2033 at the latest. While we will not be closing our 2G network until later this decade, the time for businesses to start preparing is now.

We want to make sure all UK businesses understand how our network is evolving and give several years notice before any changes take effect.

Having first spoken publicly about our 2G retirement plans back in 2021, in the coming months we will be reaching out to all our business customers who still use 2G in their operations to encourage and support them in making the move to a modern network; such as 4G, 5G or our new purpose-built Internet of Things (IoT) service used to connect smart devices and sensors.

Greener. Faster. Stronger. 

These modern forms of network connectivity are widespread across the UK, and with cutting-edge technologies like 5G standalone and Global Fabric making headlines, most of our customers already benefit from reliable, secure and energy-efficient connectivity. 

Businesses that continue to rely on 2G technology and devices are missing out on better connectivity and the improved functionality, security and productivity that can come from it. 

We are listening to our customers, and this long-planned network evolution is our response to their needs. With greater focus on climate change and sustainability targets, more businesses across the UK now only want to use the most energy efficient mobile networks.

2G is extremely energy intensive and, as with any technology, the older it gets the less reliable and more difficult to repair it becomes.  

Many operators in the US, Australia and Europe have already switched off their 2G networks. Taking that step here allows us to continue optimising the secure and future-ready networks our customers – and the wider UK economy – need.   

Backing UK businesses 

If we’re going to provide the UK with a rock-solid foundation to build out its digital economy, then relying on mobile network architecture that was designed three decades ago is not the answer.

Despite the ever-decreasing reliance on 2G, some businesses do still use it as part of their operations, primarily to transfer small amounts of data between devices, sensors or machines.

By reaching out to these businesses now to make them aware of how our network is changing for the better, we can provide tailored support and technical advice so they can upgrade to a modern connection. 

We are starting these conversations early so that we can collaborate closely with the business community, giving them certainty and ensuring we take account of their needs in setting a date for the switch off, ensuring several years notice to make the transition safely and affordably.

So, what happens next? 

In the years ahead, we will be preparing our network for the closure of 2G. That will include continuing to expand the reach of our 4G and 5G networks and working closely with industry bodies, charities and Ofcom to raise awareness.

When that time comes, we will provide comprehensive support – both online and in-person – to all our remaining 2G customers to move to a more modern and robust network. Doing so will mean they benefit from our cutting-edge connectivity, which many businesses are already using to power greener growth for decades to come.

The move is part of Lyca Mobile’s strategy to build on its heritage of delivering reliable, low-cost international calling to target a broader value-seeking market by satisfying customer demand for cost-effective mobile connectivity built around three priorities: value, service and reliability.

The new partnership with BT Wholesale will mean that Lyca Mobile’s customers in the UK will gain direct access to EE’s 4G and 5G radio access network. EE was this year named the UK’s best network for the 19th time running by RootMetrics®, rating the network top for reliability, speed and accessibility. EE’s 5G network has availability in nearly every UK town and city covering more than 68% of the UK population, and its 4G network already covers 99% of the population.

As well as connectivity advantages, the customer experience will be enhanced through the full-service wrap provided by BT Wholesale. The partnership will also provide Lyca Mobile customers with future access to services such as WiFi calling.

Richard Schäfer, Lyca Group CEO, said: “The partnership with BT Wholesale is a critical milestone in Lyca Mobile’s strategy to target a broader section of UK mobile users with compelling offers designed to give consumers what they want from their mobile provider - which is quite simply cost-effective and high-quality services. Network performance has become a vital concern for mobile users in a competitive market. Through the EE network, Lyca Mobile customers will not only enjoy the low-cost services we’re famed for, but will be able to enjoy super-fast connectivity and improved coverage.”

Alex Tempest, MD, BT Wholesale, said: “This major new MVNO deal with Lyca Mobile reflects the ongoing importance of wholesale to BT and is testament to the high quality of service we provide to customers and the strength of our EE network – the UK’s best network according to Rootmetrics.*

“Thanks to this partnership, Lyca Mobile customers will receive access to EE’s 4G and 5G network, which currently supports data speeds that are around four times as fast as what they received previously**.

“The deal will see Lyca’s entire customer base move across to EE in what is set to be record time, with BT Wholesale team showing industry-leading capabilities in ensuring a smooth transition of an MVNO between networks.

“We now look forward to working closely with Lyca Mobile as part of this new long-term partnership and aim to provide the best mobile experience for customers.”

Earlier this year, Lyca Mobile announced a freeze on its prices until the end of 2023 amidst industry-wide rises, and has guaranteed EU roaming for customers across its plans. This provision will continue unchanged under its new partnership with BT Wholesale.

BT Wholesale is one of Europe’s largest wholesale telecoms providers and provides communication, collaboration and connectivity services to a range of partners. Its dedicated MVNO Team has many years of experience and supports over 50 brands, providing mobile services to almost 3 million end users.

Notes to editors

UK’S NUMBER 1/BEST NETWORK: Rankings based on the RootMetrics® UK RootScore® Report: H2 (July - Dec) 2022. Tested at locations across the UK with the best commercially available smartphones on 4 national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of EE. Visit ee.co.uk/claims for more details.

** Four times faster claim based on median download speeds of 58.5 Mbps (EE) and 14.1 Mbps (O2) reported in 2H 2022 by RootMetrics. Visit https://rootmetrics.com/en-GB/content/uk-mobile-performance-review-2h-2022 for more details. 

The technology and telecoms firm is also using its own assets, including phone boxes and its Street Hub 2.0 digital units, so its mobile arm EE can house hundreds of small cells to boost capacity in high demand areas. Small cells are mobile radio cells that help to provide better coverage for customers at street level, where it’s often impractical to install larger mobile masts or where an offloading capability is required.

The programme will allow EE customers to experience uninterrupted data speeds of up to 300Mbps in areas including Croydon, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Nottingham. The infrastructure will be delivered over the next 18 months and can also support 5G network coverage in the future. In addition to enabling small cell deployment by EE, BT is also working with other UK mobile network operators to deploy small cells around the UK to help extend and densify their high-speed mobile network coverage.

Brian More O’Ferrall, Director, Mobile Operators in BT’s Enterprise business, said: “Around 200 of the small cells are already live and are helping to boost 4G coverage for EE customers in towns and cities across the UK.

“We have worked closely with our local authority partners to utilise their street furniture, as well as our own assets, to improve connectivity in these areas.

“Ensuring good digital infrastructure is a priority for many councils, especially with the rise in mobile device ownership and growth in demand for data and connectivity, and they have seen the benefits that such partnerships can provide.

“Not only does it mean that average download speeds can often double in some areas, but it’s also more efficient and means there is a reduced need for new cell masts in the localities.

“We’re pleased to be working with EE and other mobile network operators to deliver this coverage boost.”

The small cells will be deployed across the UK including the following areas:

• Birmingham
• Croydon
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Leeds
• Greater London (including numerous London boroughs)
• Greater Manchester
• Newcastle
• Nottingham
• Leicester
• Cardiff

Councillor Muhammad Ali, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for sustainable Croydon, said: “Demands for digital connectivity are set to grow even more over the next few years and this partnership with BT means we are able to ensure better mobile coverage for our residents, visitors and businesses.

“With 12 EE small cells already installed and an additional 20 to follow over the next 18 months, it’s fantastic that our existing street furniture, together with BT assets, can provide a simple and efficient solution to fast-track mobile network infrastructure in our borough.”

BT is using its new Street Hub 2.0 units to site small cells and further boost connectivity, which comes after a recent survey by the company found that two thirds of small firms agree that mobile connectivity could be improved in their area. The new units have already been rolled out in Glasgow, Nottingham and London. Subject to local planning processes, BT is aiming to roll out around 300 Street Hub 2.0 units across the UK this year, working closely with local councils and communities.

Today’s announcement also comes after the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport recently launched its new Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA) scheme to enable telecoms firms to get easier access to public buildings and street lights, bus shelters and traffic lights to mount small cell equipment for 4G and 5G networks.

Through the pilots managed by DCIA, BT will be working closely with DCMS and local authority partners to further accelerate small cell deployment across the UK.

AriSports has been crowned the winner of Innovate 21, BT Sport’s search for exciting new sports broadcast experiences from entrepreneurs, creatives and start-ups.

AriSports impressed the judges with its digital prediction platform, the brainchild of co-founders Rassim and Djewed Hariz. It allows football fans to predict on-pitch events, earning points in the process and competing against friends. It includes a fantasy trading element, where fans can collect and own unique digital cards of their favourite football players. The cards can increase in value, depending on the player’s real-life performances and correct predictions from the owner of the card. As the winner of Innovate 21, AriSports will now have the opportunity to work with BT Sport to develop its technology for future use.

This is the third time BT Sport has backed a search for new viewer innovations in recent years from small businesses. Since winning a 2018 BT competition, Sceenic worked with BT Sport to support last year’s launch of Watch Together service on the BT Sport App. Meanwhile, the winner of a 2016 BT competition, Seenit, enabled fans to send in video reports from stadia around the country as part of BT Sport’s Premier League Tonight show.

AriSports was one of four companies to make it to a final where it presented its innovation to a panel of experts led by Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport. Those involved in identifying both a shortlist and winner included journalist and technology expert Lucy Hedges, Matt Stagg, BT Sport director of mobile strategy, plus BT Sport presenters Brian O’Driscoll, Suzi Perry and Robbie Savage.

Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport, said: “We were extremely impressed by the quality and ingenuity of the innovations on display at the Innovate 21 final. I would like to congratulate AriSports on being crowned worthy winners. Its proposal is an ambitious platform that will offer fans an immersive experience and we look forward to working with them in helping harness its potential.”

Rassim Hariz, chairman, AriSports, said: “Special thanks to BT Sport for this great award, we look forward to working with their team. The process was very competitive and we are honoured to be the winners of Innovate 21. For us, it has been two years in the making and I would like to thank all our technical, product development and business development team. Working with BT Sport, and knowing their innovation track record, is fully aligned with our identity and ambitions in applying our world-first technology for immersive fantasy gaming on live content.”

BT has been at the heart of sports broadcasting innovation over recent years, details of which can be seen at btsport.com/innovates:

• Last season, BT Sport and EE teamed up to launched Matchday Experience on the BT Sport App, offering fans the most immersive sports viewing experience anywhere in the UK, powered by EE’s number one 5G network. Features include Watch Together - the only service in the UK allowing fans to watch, see and chat with three other friends, alongside any BT Sport broadcast, thanks to a split-screen interface.
• BT Sport was the first broadcaster to show live content in 4K and UHD in 2015 and the first to adopt Dolby Atmos in 2016. BT Sport has also embraced social media, being the first to show the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League finals on YouTube and showing content such as BT Sport Score live for free on Twitter and Facebook.
• In 2019, BT Sport collaborated with BT’s Media & Broadcast arm to broadcast the world’s first live 8K test broadcast, into the IBC exhibition in Amsterdam.
• In 2018 BT Sport and EE successfully carried out the world’s first live broadcast over 5G using remote production, delivering a two-way transmission from Wembley Stadium to London’s ExCeL exhibition centre.