Faster and more reliable 4G to reach thousands of businesses and households across rural Wales

The Shared Rural Network programme is on target to deliver the combined coverage target of 95% of the UK’s landmass by the end of 2025, improving 4G connectivity.

This programme targets seven newly upgraded mobile sites across North, South West, and West Wales.

The UK government is investing £184 million to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts to provide coverage from all four mobile operators. Currently, commercial coverage from EAS masts is only available from EE – the operator responsible for the Emergency Services Network.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, commented: “The 4G rollout in rural Wales is excellent, bringing faster, more reliable connectivity to millions of people that face the digital divide.”

“Online access is a core part of modern life, on part with essential utilities such as energy, so it is important that the government continues investing and pushing projects such as this across the UK to ensure everyone has connectivity. A key part of this is keeping the monthly costs of high-speed connections affordable, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”

“Increasingly, we are seeing services such as education, healthcare and banking move online, placing a growing reliance on the internet and making digital devices, skills and connectivity a prerequisite to accessing these services. As this shift continues, government, industries and communities must come together to address barriers to digital access and ensure that everyone is equipped with the tools they need to get online and stay online.”

This initiative, as part of the UK government’s Shared Rural Network programme, aims to enhance digital connectivity for rural communities and promote economic growth.

These upgrades will support local businesses, enhance emergency service capabilities, and provide reliable internet access for residents and tourists alike.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “From applying for jobs to staying in touch with loved ones, fast and reliable connectivity is an essential part of modern life and should be the digital reality for communities from Llandudno to Cardiff, which is why the upgrades announced today are a welcome step forward.”

“But we cannot ignore the fact that millions of people need support when it comes to navigating the online world. That’s why this government is committed to boosting digital skills no matter people live, to support people accessing essential services like banking, or education tools, helping them to get on with their lives and work.