Mobile phone 4G coverage in Newtown and throughout Montgomeryshire could soon be dramatically improved.
An agreement has been reached between the major mobile phone networks and the UK Government on a Shared Rural Network.
Areas in Newtown and throughout north Powys have struggled with basic coverage, let alone 4G in recent years.
Yesterday, Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three signed a £1 billion agreement with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP, to significantly extend rural coverage via the Shared Rural Network (SRN).
The Shared Rural Network will transform mobile coverage, countrywide. The programme will make 4G mobile broadband available to 95% of the UK. Our members expect this will extend mobile coverage to an additional 280,000 premises and for people in cars on an additional 16,000km of the UK’s roads, boosting productivity and investment in rural areas.
The project consists of MNOs investing to extend their coverage by upgrading their existing networks, working together on shared infrastructure and building new sites, with new government-funded masts being built to target areas with no mobile coverage from any operator.
Confirmation that an agreement has been reached has been welcomed by Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George.
Mr George said: "I welcome the UK Conservative Government's announcement that it has reached agreement with all four mobile network operators to deliver a Shared Rural Network which will demonstrably improve coverage for residents and visitors in Powys.
"In contrast to the UK Government's record of action in reaching agreement with the network operators on a scheme which has the potential to transform mobile connectivity for residents in Montgomeryshire, we have seen a record of inaction from the Welsh Government's so-called Mobile Action Plan which seems to have stalled.
"To facilitate this Shared Rural Network, we will need to see flexibility from the Welsh Government when it comes to planning policy and Permitted Development Rights which will help prepare for 4G and 5G deployment and speed up the process for new mobile phone masts as long as they are in appropriate locations.
"The Welsh Government has a role in creating the right regulatory, political and commercial conditions necessary for mobile operators to invest in digital connectivity so I will continue to press the Welsh Government to use the devolved policy levers at their disposal to support the rollout of the Shared Rural Network and end the frustration of residents and businesses in north Powys who are unable to use 21st century technology on which we all rely."
Eluned Morgan, AM for Mid and West Wales, said:“As we know, there are still communities in Powys with no or very poor mobile phone signal. It is a huge frustration for businesses, residents and visitors.
"I am pleased that, after so much discussion, an agreement has finally been reached between the UK Government and the mobile network operators to find a technical solution and a commitment to increasing much needed investment in rural infrastructure in the years ahead.”