BT-owned EE, the UK’s largest mobile operator, is preparing for a surge in summer staycations by boosting its coverage in popular coastal destinations.
After being mostly cooped up inside for over a year, a holiday is near the forefront of most people’s minds. Many aren’t yet ready to travel abroad – especially with travel advice for destinations changing at short notice – and so will be looking a little closer to home.
Marc Allera, CEO of the Consumer Division at BT, said:
“The upgrades to our network will help ensure our customers stay connected this summer, even at the busiest times.
The additional capacity delivered through improvements to our 4G network, alongside the continued roll-out of our 5G network, will help people make the most of their time at the coast, and also provide a valuable lifeline if an emergency occurs.”
Packed beaches were, unfortunately, a common sight even when COVID-19 was spreading rapidly. A successful vaccine rollout means that it’s looking increasingly likely that beaches will be able to more safely open this summer and you can bet that many will be taking advantage.
EE’s 4G network in the following locations has been given a boost:
- Blackpool
- Bournemouth
- Brighton
- Dawlish
- Gt Yarmouth
- Isle of Sheppey
- Maldon
- Porthcawl
- Rhyl
EE says the following 16 locations will also receive improved 4G connectivity this summer:
- Aberystwyth
- Berwick upon Tweed
- Budleigh Salterton
- Cardigan Bay
- Clacton on Sea
- Newquay
- Padstow
- Selsey
- Scarborough
- Skegness
- Snowdonia
- St Ives
- Tenby
- Whitstable
- Windermere
- Woolacombe
“With many popular seaside locations expecting a busy summer, we’re pleased to be providing improved coastal connectivity,” said Allera.
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), commented:
“We do expect coastal areas to be very busy this summer, but if people follow key safety advice, they can stay safe and enjoy their time at the beach and along our coastlines.
Alongside our lifeboat crew and lifeguards, mobile phones can help people stay safe when at the coast, so improvements to coastal coverage is welcomed. Smartphones can help people plan their day at the coast and check things like the weather, tide times and where our lifeguards are patrolling. Mobiles also allow people to call for help quickly in an emergency situation.
Whether you’re walking along the coast, angling from rocks, or relaxing on the beach, having the means to call for help in an emergency can be the difference between life and death.”
Last year, the RNLI and BT announced a new strategic supplier partnership that will support the lifesaving charity’s aim of preventing drowning.
Over the next five years, BT will upgrade the RNLI’s fixed, wireless, and mobile networks, to help its staff, volunteers, and supporters connect faster and more effectively. Their partnership also extends to the joint development of innovative new technologies to help save lives.
(Image credit: RNLI)
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