Rural towns and villages across Wales are experiencing faster and more reliable mobile connectivity, thanks to the latest round of government-funded 4G network upgrades.
Newly activated mobile masts in areas such as Llangernyw, Pandy Tudur, Gwytherin, Cwmystwyth, and Llanymawddwy are delivering improved coverage to residents, businesses, and local organisations. These upgrades also extend enhanced connectivity to key natural landmarks, including Bannau Brycheiniog and Eryri National Park, as well as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty like the Wye Valley and Bryniau Clwyd a Dyffryn Dyfrdwy.
The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) – a collaborative initiative between the UK government and mobile network operators aimed at closing the digital divide by improving mobile coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
Across the UK, 56 SRN masts are now live, including 30 in Wales. The improved infrastructure means residents, tourists and businesses can now access reliable 4G coverage from all four main mobile providers: EE, Virgin Media O2, Three and Vodafone.
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova said: "30 new EAS masts are now live in the Welsh hills. For the first time, signals from every mobile network are threading through valleys and reaching a further 2,500 kilometres of road—bringing connectivity to residents, businesses, and anyone passing through. Thanks to the Shared Rural Network, not-spots are shrinking, connections are growing, and more coverage is on its way."
The newly activated masts expand full network coverage across more than 2,500 kilometres of roads in Wales.
The boost to coverage has been carried out by upgrading existing mobile masts which previously only connected EE customers and anyone making 999 calls, meaning communities can benefit from improved connectivity without the need for additional infrastructure.
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “Funded by UK Government investment, 30 new sites in Wales now have fast and reliable mobile internet access in areas which were previously poorly served. Reliable connectivity improves every aspect of day-to-day life in rural Wales and makes a huge difference for local businesses, residents, and visitors.
“This is an important step forward in our mission to kickstart the economy and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales.”
Since launching in 2020, the Shared Rural Network has expanded 4G coverage from all four network operators to an additional 34,000 square kilometres across the UK- an area roughly twice the size of Northern Ireland or equivalent to 4.6 million football pitches.
The UK government has committed £184 million to upgrade Extended Area Service (EAS) masts as part of the programme. While these masts were previously exclusive to EE and the Emergency Services Network, the upgrades now allow coverage from all four providers. In addition, mobile operators have invested over £500 million to eliminate ‘partial not-spots’—areas where coverage was only available from one provider.
Mobile operators have also invested over £500 million to target ‘partial not spots’ across the UK, where customers can only access 4G if they are signed up with a mobile network operator that is active in the area.
