Shared Rural Network could provide 4G coverage for 95% of UK by 2025

This will provide an additional 2 per cent increase in the geographic coverage by each of the operators, specifically helping the most rural locations.

Neil Parish, chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, said: “We believe this roll-out is set to have a hugely positive effect on the wider rural economy.”

Mark Bridgeman, CLA deputy president, said: "We have been hugely frustrated at the lack of progress in improving mobile reception to date.

“The legal coverage obligations now put on operators to improve the situation, and through the delivery of a Single Rural Network, will ensure demonstrable improvements over the next few years for rural communities."

A formal agreement on the new Shared Rural Network is expected early in the New Year.

NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts said: “This announcement by the UK’s big four mobile operators could be a game-changer and will help address our longstanding concerns over a lack of decent 4G coverage in rural areas.

“The NFU’s broadband & digital member surveys constantly tell us how dire the current services are for many farming businesses with patchy mobile coverage remaining a major barrier to improving on farm productivity and the uptake of digital technology.

“With the industry facing so much uncertainty, it’s clear that farmers need as many tools as possible to maintain business resilience and having access to digital connectivity is paramount if they are to compete with our international neighbours in the global market.

“I would encourage industry and government to do everything it can to ensure this agreement goes ahead.”