Nearly 30 mobile masts upgraded across rural Wales
The UK Government has announced that 28 existing masts in rural areas, including Snowdonia, have been enhanced, providing better connectivity for all four UK networks.
This initiative is part of a broader mission to boost tourism and local growth, aligning with the Government's Plan for Change.
The improved coverage will benefit thousands of residents and visitors, offering fast and reliable 4G networks in previously poorly connected areas.
This is expected to support local tourism and economic growth.
The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network programme, a collaboration between the UK government and mobile network operators aimed at improving mobile connectivity in rural areas across Britain.
The enhanced coverage will improve safety for holidaymakers and create economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons.
Other areas of natural beauty, such as the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley, as well as rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire and Ceredigion, will also benefit from the improved coverage.
Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: "Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet.
"This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe."
Research by telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can bring a range of economic benefits, including greater innovation, more flexible working, a larger labour force and access to wider markets.
It is estimated that these benefits could raise gross value added (GVA) for those impacted by improved connectivity by 0.5 per cent each year.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment.
"Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector.
"This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales."
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, said: "This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage.
"Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors.
"These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early.
"Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66 per cent to 81 per cent of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined.
"With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage."
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