There is recognition of the positive impact and benefits that mobile phone coverage can have on societies and local economies. There are areas in the United Kingdom, particularly remote areas, where there is no or inadequate mobile coverage called ‘Not Spots' which lead to a poor or limited customer experience. The Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP) anticipates that consumers and businesses will benefit from improved coverage from 2013 onwards. The aim of the MIP is to establish a single supplier framework agreement capable of delivering improved mobile coverage in ‘Not Spots' through the delivery of new, or use of existing, mobile network infrastructure. There is recognition that this infrastructure may need to allow future delivery of data services.

The supplier appointed to the framework agreement will need to be capable of delivering a range of telecommunications infrastructure solutions and related requirements, including (but not limited to) the design, build, implementation and operation of telecommunications infrastructure in accordance with BDUK's requirements (which will reflect the requirements of the mobile network operators).