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Business News Wales
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales' Beauty Spots to Get Better Mobile Coverage with Mast Upgrades
Tourists and hikers exploring Wales' most renowned beauty spots and national parks will benefit from a huge boost in mobile coverage, helping them plan routes and receive live weather updates for safer outdoors adventures. Nearly 30 mobile masts, initially only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999, have now been upgraded to provide coverage from all mobile network operators. The upgrade of existing masts will limit the visual and natural impact on the environment, causing less disruption to the surrounding areas. The upgrades will benefit thousands of local residents and many more visiting the surrounding areas, bringing fast and reliable 4G networks to remote communities previously plagued by poor signal. This will support local tourism and economic growth, the core mission of the Government's Plan for Change. The rollout is part of the Shared Rural Network programme led by the UK government and mobile network operators to improve mobile connectivity in rural communities across Britain. The new coverage will boost safety for holiday makers as well as economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas in Wales, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty to benefit from the boost include the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, in addition to many more rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire, Bognor, Ceredigion and others. 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.' The 4G boost will bring numerous benefits for local communities, enhancing connectivity to support local businesses, improving access to essential online services, enabling quicker payment options and giving farmers access to cutting-edge technology which can improve their productivity and sustainability. Research from telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can deliver a variety of economic benefits, including increased innovation, more flexible working and increasing the labour force, and opening up to larger markets. It is estimated that these benefits could increase gross value added (GVA) for those affected by improved connectivity by 0.5% each year. These upgrades mark significant progress in the government's mission to break down barriers to opportunity and boost economic growth across the UK, as outlined in the Plan for Change. To expand coverage even further, 50 more sites in England, Wales and Scotland are also being targeted for upgrades by March 2026. 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% to 81% 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.'
North Wales Chronicle
28-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
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."
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
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."
Edinburgh Reporter
14-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Farrpoint moves into Fountainbridge
Farrpoint the digital connectivity consultancy has moved into a new head office in Fountainbridge and says it will 'continue to expand into new areas as technology and the markets develop'. The company now has a team of 24, with four offices in Scotland, England, the US and Canada. The BCorp moved to a new base at Lochrin Square when its need for larger premises arose. This decision reflects not only business growth but also a commitment to creating the environment to support collaboration in the company. The new office fits in with the BCorp certification and also its adoption of a net zero policy. Andrew Muir CEO of FarrPoint said: 'The move to our new office represents a milestone in FarrPoint's journey. 'As our client base and staff numbers grow, It's a space that's not only better suited to our current team but also supports our ambitions for further growth in the years ahead.' While the business has made new appointments it is also looking for people to join the team of consultants, economists and data analysts which supports public and private sector clients. Jean-Donan Olliero has joined FarrPoint as a Principal Consultant and Head of the Telecoms practice. Jean-Donan originally worked at FarrPoint from 2015 to 2019 before moving on to a senior role with a French telecom operator Axione during their peak investment in Scotland. His return brings a wealth of consultancy experience and deep market knowledge that will strengthen FarrPoint's influence in the telecoms sector. FarrPoint is also pleased to welcome Kate Milne as its new Economist. Kate brings strong expertise in economic modelling, impact assessments, and strategic partnerships from her previous work at Fraser of Allander Institute. Kate also volunteers at The Women in Economics Initiative, aimed at bridging the gender gap in the field of economics, and has already been contributing to FarrPoint's ESG practices and speaking at Scotland's first BCORP festival. FarrPoint has also hired a new Project Assistant, Christina Muir, who has moved for the role from the Scottish Highlands. With a background in research, copywriting and project management, Christina is now a big part of FarrPoint's quality and project assurance. The team at FarrPoint PHOTO Stewart Attwood Photography 2025. Like this: Like Related
