Mobile Connectivity in Montgomeryshire
Whilst it is true that mobile network operators have taken positive steps to resolve mobile "not-spots" in rural Wales through network sharing agreements and rolling out the latest 4G technology, it is simply a fact of life that without further mobile infrastructure, Mid Wales will simply continue to lag behind other regions of the UK when it comes to mobile connectivity.
This "digital divide" between us and our urban counterparts just across the border is having a detrimental effect on the Mid Wales economy and this situation is likely to continue without further Government intervention from both central and local government. As a result of rural Mid Wales' sparsely distributed population, lack of economies of scale and consequent lack of commercial incentive for major new infrastructure to be rolled out, it is clear that the public sector needs to step in to address market failure in a similar way as it has done with fibre broadband.
I have said on many occasions that it is unjust that a foreign tourist with a foreign SIM, working or holidaying in Wales, has the ability to roam between service operators ensuring unbroken connectivity, when someone resident here does not. However, there is universal opposition from the industry to the suggestion that Government mandates compulsory roaming on the grounds that the operators say that it will act as a disincentive to investment and result in a race to the bottom, possibly meaning worse coverage in the long run.
A couple of years ago, the UK Government appeared to be grabbing this bull by the horns and moving towards a policy of compulsory roaming but they have rowed back on this to some extent. Also, while the Home Office are intending on building new infrastructure in rural areas through its Emergency Services Telecommunications Programme, the mobile network operators have not divulged which sites they will make available on a commercial basis to the public.
In the meantime, I will be looking for the regulator, Ofcom, the Welsh and UK Governments to use the levers at its disposal to improve mobile coverage and remove the other barriers which are preventing the development of mobile infrastructure in rural areas. This includes making it easier for providers to construct infrastructure on public land.
Here in Wales, the Welsh Government has recently published its Mobile Action Plan and I have to say that I am somewhat underwhelmed. In my view, it does not sufficiently address barriers to rolling out critical infrastructure, without which coverage improvements cannot be delivered in timely way. Essentially, the plan amounts to warm words and lacks any firm commitments for actual reform of existing planning laws, which are delaying and adding costs to enhancing coverage, particularly in rural areas. Instead, the plan commits to considering and exploring options but no proposals for change. Furthermore, it has already been conceded that non-domestic rates account for around 22 per cent of the current total revenue costs of a mobile site yet there are no concrete plans for a reduction in non-domestic rates to incentivise operators to roll out more infrastructure.
Finally, local government clearly has a role to play in the way in which it treats planning applications from mobile operators. Now, let's be clear, I have been a staunch advocate of a decentralised planning system which is more democratic, empowering local people to make the big decisions that will impact upon their lives. While I will always uphold this principle of local decision making in the planning process, there must also be a recognition that further appropriately-located infrastructure is required in order to deliver the enhanced digital infrastructure which Mid Wales requires. Therefore, I hope that operators will work closely with planning authorities to identify suitable locations for new infrastructure, while taking into account local views and sensitivities, to ensure that plans are clearly communicated to local decision makers and that the key benefits of enhanced mobile connectivity are actively promoted to affected communities.
For my part, I will continue to lobby the regulator, mobile operators and Governments at both ends of the M4 to take the necessary steps to improve what is still a woefully poor mobile service in parts of Montgomeryshire.