Northumberland National Park Authority has welcomed the news that Ofcom has increased mobile coverage targets for the UK.

Rural areas such as the national park will benefit from the decision to expand the 4G network to 98 per cent of the UK as under the previous 95 per cent scheme areas such as those located on Northumberland's hilltops would have missed out.

The telecoms watchdog has stated that any networks wanting a share of the 800MHz spectrum must commit to the 98 per cent coverage target.

Stuart Evans, the authority’s head of corporate services, told the Berwick Advertiser: "We’re really pleased that our key points have been taken into account for 4G coverage. Quality mobile broadband will make a lot of difference to everyone, but especially tourism in this part of England.

"This announcement should also provide assurance that businesses and residents in difficult to reach rural areas will not be left out in the cold with poor broadband for too much longer."