With some areas of North Wales still struggling to get mobile coverage, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has questioned the Economy Minister over Welsh Government action to address this.
In yesterday’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, the Minister was asked how the Welsh Government is supporting digital connectivity projects in North Wales.
During the question, Mr Isherwood referred to a meeting he had last year with Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL), which aims to extend coverage in North Wales to 98 per cent 4G coverage from at least one Mobile Network Operator, and asked the Minister what engagement the Welsh Government is having with the company.
He said:
“Last summer, I joined National Trust Cymru for both a visit to the Upper Conwy Catchment project and a meeting with Cwm Community Action Group, to discuss the lack of mobile coverage in Cwm Penmachno. In a subsequent meeting with Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL) and Cwm Community Action Group, we discussed the Shared Rural Network Programme.
“DMSL, I'm sure you're aware, is a joint venture between the four UK Mobile Network Operators, or MNOs, to work for a disruption-free digital life for people across the UK. The Shared Rural Network, with £532 million from MNOs and £500 million from the UK Government, aims to extend coverage in North Wales to 83 per cent 4G Coverage from all MNOs, and 98 per cent from at least one MNO, and, across Wales, to 80 per cent from all MNOs, and 95 per cent from at least one Mobile Network Operator.
“As we heard, ‘you can't have connectivity without the infrastructure’. What engagement are you having with DMSL accordingly?”
In his response, the Minister, Vaughan Gething MS, said he would check again with his officials about “their specific engagement with the organisations you refer to”.
