O2, Three and Vodafone will partner to build and share 33 mobile phone masts in Wales to improve coverage in rural areas.
The new masts will be areas likes Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia National Park, the Brecon Beacons and Powys.
When completed under the the Shared Rural Network (SRN) 4G coverage will increase across Wales to at least 80% of landmass from 58%.
This programme of investment is part of the first stage of the SRN - a £1bn programme to improve rural mobile coverage across the 海角视频 that was agreed by the mobile network operators, Government and Ofcom in March 2020.
The construction of the new masts will commence in 2021 and is scheduled to be completed by 2024 in line with the agreement reached with the 海角视频 Government and Ofcom.
The three mobile operators will now engage with local stakeholders and other key parties to ensure a timely and efficient roll out that unlocks the benefits of 4G for these rural communities.
The exact number and location of masts will be subject to finding suitable sites, obtaining power supply and backhaul and securing the necessary permissions through the planning system.
Across the 海角视频, the SRN will increase the proportion of landmass where all mobile networks provide 4G services from 67% to 84% and virtually eliminate Partial Not Spots (PNSs) – areas where at least one, but not all four of the 海角视频’s mobile networks provide 4G coverage.
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When the SRN is completed, every mobile operator will reach at least 90% of 海角视频 landmass, with a combined coverage of 95%.
Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said: “I’m pleased to see this partnership by the industry to improve mobile coverage in rural areas.
"Now more than ever we appreciate the importance of reliable mobile and internet connections.
"Although telecommunications is not devolved, we have worked closely with mobile operators to help ensure that all parts of Wales can access mobile services. The Shared Rural Network will make a difference in those communities with poor mobile coverage.”
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Minister David Davies MP, said: “Digital and mobile connectivity is vital to a successful economy and the 海角视频 Government’s collaboration with industry on the Shared Rural Network is delivering improvements for Wales.
“With 30 new mobile masts proposed for Wales, this scheme promises to eliminate signal ‘not spots’, increase reliability and make significant improvements for many communities as we build back better from the pandemic.”
Mark Evans, CEO of O2, said: “The Shared Rural Network presents a new and more collaborative way of delivering greater investment in infrastructure to improve mobile digital connectivity - a high impact enabler of economic growth.
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"I am delighted that O2 is working in partnership with other mobile operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network, which will support individuals, businesses and communities across rural Wales.”
Robert Finnegan, CEO of Three 海角视频, said: “Mobile connectivity is absolutely critical for communities around the 海角视频 helping to support local economies and keeping people connected with their friends and family.
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"The Shared Rural Network will have a transformative effect on coverage in Wales and it is great to be working with the rest of the industry to achieve this.”
Nick Jeffery, CEO of Vodafone 海角视频, said: “We know connectivity is vital and the only way to fill the holes in the 海角视频’s mobile coverage is to work together.
"Our unique collaboration with O2 and Three will deliver new sites in parts of Wales that need better connectivity. Delivering the Shared Rural Network will make a huge difference to communities across the 海角视频.”
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