Council meet with Mobile Network Operator

Date published: 19th March 2026

Further to the progress made by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding mobile connectivity in North Norfolk, a meeting was held recently between the Council and Vodafone / Three – one of the top mobile operators in the area. 

While much of what was discussed was commercially sensitive, promising details were shared about the future of connectivity in North Norfolk. 

Work has already been carried out in Wells, Cromer, Melton Constable, North Walsham and Stalham, with objectives set out as to how this can be built on to reach ambitious coverage targets including in key ‘not-spot’ areas.  

There are also plans to improve not only connectivity but capacity, an encouraging concept as the population of the area is predicted to grow and with increased footfall over the summer months. 

Feedback was taken on board about the struggles people in North Norfolk have with establishing a stable signal, and barriers to improving signal were identified with both parties agreeing on actions they could take to facilitate improvement works. 

Cllr Victoria Holliday, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, commented: “News about investment in North Norfolk’s mobile connectivity is hugely welcomed.  

It is encouraging to hear there are plans to improve signal and coverage for those currently unable to make emergency calls, look after the vulnerable or transact business.  

This is a positive start to ending the post code lottery of mobile connectivity in North Norfolk.” 

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee continue to seek engagement with the other Mobile Network Operators alongside the smaller providers and their delivery partners to drive plans forward for better connectivity for North Norfolk.  

This is following the Committee’s decision to ask our local MP, Steff Aquarone, for his support in backing the Access to Telecommunications Network Bill currently going through parliament that would enable rural roaming. A mechanism to allow a customer’s own network to connect to another when their own signal is not available, thus providing better overall coverage for consumers. 

In addition to this, the Committee are also lobbying Government for further invest into rural mobile connectivity to allow the people of North Norfolk the same opportunity as those in urban areas.