Virgin Media O2 has hit a milestone in its Shared Rural Network (SRN) rollout after upgrading or building 100 company-managed 4G coverage sites, with the 100th site being on the Isle of Skye.

The SRN programme is a £1 billion joint initiative between mobile network operators and the UK government to extend 4G connectivity to 95% of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025.

Of the 100 rural sites that have been built or upgraded by Virgin Media O2 so far, 78 are in very remote parts of Scotland, such as Shetland, Ardross, and Argyll and Bute. Meanwhile, 19 are in rural parts of England, including parts of Yorkshire, Suffolk, and Kent, and three are in Northern Ireland.

The Isle of Skye became the 100th site for improved mobile connectivity after helicopters were used to install new 4G masts on the island.

The 100 sites are controlled by Virgin Media O2, but Three and Vodafone customers also benefit from the operator’s rollout. Taking into account the progress of Three and Vodafone, Virgin Media O2 customers can currently access reliable 4G services at 146 rural locations.

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Speaking on reaching its 100th SRN site, Virgin Media O2’s chief technology officer, Jeanie York, said: “We’re going to extreme lengths connecting the most remote corners of the UK to deliver our share of the Shared Rural Network.

“This investment is vital to ensure we provide fast and reliable coverage to all areas of the UK. With so much of our modern life taking place online, rural communities deserve the same standard of mobile connectivity as those in urban areas, and we’re proud to be stepping up and playing our part.

“The 100 sites we have delivered will mean that more residents, businesses and visitors in rural areas can benefit from better mobile coverage, with more locations to follow in the coming months. This work is vital in tackling the urban-rural digital divide that exists in the UK.”