A major mobile phone network has committed to improving coverage in Montgomeryshire after holding talks with the area’s AM.
Russell George AM, who has campaigned for improved mobile phone coverage and broadband in Mid Wales for several years, met with a Vodafone boss to discuss improving the network’s coverage.
It follows meetings last year with EE and O2.
Vodafone said it was committed to rolling out its mobile internet, including 4G, but it had to overcome issues including planning and access to super fast broadband in the area.
Following the meeting, Mr George said: “I was pleased to hear from Vodafone about their plans to improve their network in Montgomeryshire.
“This is welcome news as all network operators, including Vodafone, must recognise the need for faster progress to ensure that residents and businesses in Powys are able to benefit from the latest advances in mobile technology.
“Mobile phones have become an essential part of people’s lives and investment in world class mobile infrastructure is fundamental for Mid Wales to compete with its urban counterparts.
“It is still a bugbear of mine that residents in Cardiff enjoy superfast 4G mobile coverage while many residents in rural Montgomeryshire still suffer with unreliable 2G or non-existent mobile services.
“Greater cooperation between network operators and reform of the planning regime is essential, and I will continue to press the Welsh Government to make a commitment to achieving the vision of universal mobile coverage to transform the Mid Wales economy.”
Graham Dunn, Senior Government Affairs Manager at Vodafone added: “As part of our major nationwide investment plan, we are improving the coverage and capacity of our network across the UK, including in Montgomershire.
“Our plans will mean that the majority of people are able to access the benefits of the mobile internet.
“In order to deliver these improvements, we need a number of factors to be in place, including planning permission, agreements with landlords and good quality connections into the rest of the network from BT Openreach."