Wales: New government plan to improve mobile connectivity

The Welsh Government has set out a plan to improve mobile connectivity in Wales through working with the mobile phone industry and Ofcom.

While mobile connectivity is the responsibility of the UK Government, the Welsh Government is looking at the powers it has to improve the service enjoyed by its people and businesses.Wales present special challenges for Mobile Network operators, due to its topography.

The plan focuses on nine key areas where the Welsh Government can use the levers at its disposal and its influence to help improve connectivity and capacity. The areas include:

The series of actions follows a Mobile Roundtable held by Julie James, the minister for skills and science, with mobile providers and the regulator earlier this year. The plan has been developed in consultation with those at the meeting and others including farming unions, landowners and business organisations. The Mobile Action Plan will be reviewed regularly and updated as the actions are carried out and progress recorded.

James said: “Mobile phone connectivity is becoming increasingly important for both residents and businesses. We know there are challenges in Wales and that the service needs to be better.