Russell George, the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, attended an OFCOM meeting with the representatives from Vodafone, EE, Three and O2. He questioned why improved mobile coverage in Mid Wales, including 4G coverage in larger towns, had not been made available earlier this year as was previously planned.
EE, who had initially targeted the introduction of 4G coverage in certain areas of Mid-Wales by the beginning of the year, when pressed by Mr George, said that technical issues were responsible for this delay. However, a solution to this issue had now been found and assurances were given by EE that 4G coverage will begin to be rolled out in Mid Wales by the end of the year. The other mobile service providers offered similar commitments, but gave no specific timeline.
Mr George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, said:
“I am disappointed that earlier commitments from EE have not been met, but of course welcome the update from EE that 4G coverage will improve and be rolled out further into Mid Wales by the end of the year.
“Mobile coverage in Wales, and in particular in rural areas, has lagged behind the rest of the United Kingdom for far too long.
“The people of Montgomeryshire have long suffered from poor mobile phone services. This has affected not only communication in the area, but the regional economy and ease of business.
“I will continue to press the Welsh Government on what measures they can put in place to promote improved mobile coverage in rural Wales specifically."