
Eight new mobile phone mast sites have been earmarked for Penrith and the Border to improve coverage.
Phone firms 02, Vodafone and Three have struck a deal to erect 222 masts across the UK.
Nothing has yet been confirmed and the sites are subject to planning approval.
If theeight sites and applications are given the necessary go ahead, it could lead to significant improvements in mobile coverage in Penrith and The Border, said its MP Neil Hudson.
The deal between the three operators will help deliver the first stage of the Government’s £1 billion Shared Rural Network.
Dr Hudson said: “For too many of my constituents, poor mobile coverage and download speeds have become a fact of daily life.
“I am pleased that the Government’s Shared Rural Network is beginning to roll out and that this is planned to reach Penrith and The Border.
“While this is good news, these improvements are not set in stone.
“That is why, as part of my Better Connectivity campaign, I will continue to press the case with Government for better provision.
“I recently met with the Minister for Digital Infrastructure, Matt Warman, to discuss the broader issue of poor digital connectivity and he was receptive and encouraging.
“I have regular meetings with mobile operators to see how their offer to my constituents can be improved and I am in regular contact with Connecting Cumbria – a partnership between Cumbria County Council and BT- to see how we might get superfast broadband to as many properties as possible.
“I am determined to keep this issue high on the Government’s agenda to ensure that Penrith and The Border isn’t left behind and can share in the prosperity that good mobile and broadband coverage can bring.”