Eliminating mobile ‘not-spots’ one mast at a time

Montgomeryshire is gradually reducing its number of mobile not-spots after new planning permissions were approved across the area.

Craig Williams, MP for Montgomeryshire, has welcomed the update by the UK Government regarding the progress of installing new Extended Area Services (EAS) masts across Montgomeryshire.

Sixteen new EAS masts will be erected across the length of the constituency, which once live will provide crucial emergency services and 4G coverage, eliminating the majority of mobile signal ‘not-spots’ within Montgomeryshire.

The EAS Masts are a part of the world-first Shared Rural Network programme between the UK Government and the UK’s mobile network operators, which they claim will see 4G coverage boosted to 95% across Wales and give rural customers the choice of different network providers for the first time.

Of the 16 masts, five have now come online within this quarter at:

·         Esgair Maen Y-Fan, Llandidloes, SY18 6NT

·         Bron Felin Old Hall, Llanidloes

·         Land at Llwyn y Gog Farm, Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, SY19 7DB

·         Revolution Bike Park off B4391, Llangynog, SY10 0HE

·         Tyn-y-Wern Commins, Llanrhaedr ym Mochnant, SY10 0BZ

Residents within these areas will now be able to receive boosted 4G coverage and will soon be able to shop around for contracts with competing network providers. The remaining masts are scheduled to come online periodically over the next year. 

Mr Williams, MP, said: “It is great to see the UK Government deliver on one of its key commitments in eliminating the vast majority of mobile not-spots across the UK.

“Residents across Montgomeryshire know all too well about the challenges of receiving reliable mobile signal in more rural areas. These five new masts will provide significantly boosted signal, with more masts to come online by the end of next year.

“The new EAS masts will not only provide crucial emergency service access across Montgomeryshire, but will also for the first time allow many customers to access competing mobile deals. I will be working closely with network providers to ensure that the masts are brought online as soon as is possible.”

Below provides full details of the new EAS masts which are being installed across Montgomeryshire: