Several rural communities in Wales are now benefitting from fast, reliable 4G mobile coverage thanks to the UK government’s Shared Rural Network initiative to improve connectivity in remote areas.
This month the first of 86 planned 4G mobile masts were activated in locations including Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Ysbyty Ystwyth, Llanafan, Tynygraig, West Fedw and Trawsgoed in Powys County. Residents, local businesses and visitors in these communities can now access improved 4G service from all four major UK mobile operators: EE, VMO2, Three and Vodafone.
The £1 billion Shared Rural Network programme, a joint effort by government and telecom companies, aims to close the digital gap between urban and rural areas by enhancing mobile coverage to support economic and social activity. Rather than constructing entirely new sites, the programme upgrades existing masts so they can deliver 4G connectivity.
“Poor mobile signal can cause real frustration and hold back rural businesses,” said Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez. “Ensuring no one is left behind because of unreliable signal is a priority.”
Two additional 4G masts will be switched on shortly at Esgair Maen and Bronfelin, with 86 sites across Wales scheduled to go live in the coming months to tackle coverage blackspots.
Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, which oversees the programme, said: “People living in and visiting rural Wales will notice better 4G service as more shared mobile sites become operational.”
The rollout represents progress toward the Shared Rural Network’s target of achieving 95 percent combined 4G geographic coverage across the UK by the end of 2025. The government is contributing more than £180 million to allow all mobile operators to use the upgraded infrastructure.
“I’m pleased to see mobile blackspots disappearing in rural Powys,” said Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, welcoming the investment that will help residents and businesses gain access to faster, more reliable internet service.
(Photo by Ambitious Studio – Rick Barrett)
See also: Virgin Media O2 trials new approach to boosting mobile coverage
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