A promise by one of the UK's largest mobile telephone operates to have 4G mobile broadband coverage in and around Newtown by the end of January has not been met.
EE had said back in November last year that it would improve coverage in the town and throughout Montgomeryshire, including launching a full 4G service in Newtown by the end of January.
The promise was made at a summit of mobile telephone operators, including Vodafone, O2 and EE, organised by Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, following concern over the levels of mobile service in the area and intermittent services to customers by EE specifically.
Today, Mr George said he was disappointed that 4G had not been fully implemented as promised at the meeting and he would be taking the matter up with the company on behalf of customers.
He said: “I’m disappointed that EE has not been able to honour its commitment to provide 4G to Newtown by the end of January and has failed to complete the necessary work to upgrade its infrastructure within the original timescale provided.
“That said, and in fairness, EE has always been willing to engage with me on the reasons behind any issues and I have received assurances that they are currently implementing quite a complex technical upgrade and testing the equipment before this additional capacity can be rolled out.
“I am also aware that signal has improved in parts of the town, including 4G coverage in some areas."
He added: “I will continue to ensure that operators are held accountable for their commitments and as improvements are rolled out, I would be interested in hearing from residents across Montgomeryshire about whether or not they have seen an improvement in mobile coverage and capacity in due course.”
The other operators are yet to confirm when 4G will be rolled out in Newtown or in other parts of Montgomeryshire.