Call to end mobile ‘not-spots’ in Wales

Mobile phone operators must fulfil their promises to improve 4G coverage across Wales and reduce the number of “not-spots” affecting farm businesses, say union leaders.

Farm leaders, ministers, Ofcom and representatives from the four mobile phone operators – EE, O2, Vodafone and Three – held talks to discuss plans to increase poor mobile signal coverage across Wales.

The briefing at the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) stand at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday (19 July) was told that operators were seeking to increase 4G mobile coverage to more than 90% of the UK by 2017.

See also: Rural phone coverage worse than broadband

Data from Ofcom’s recent Connected Nation report shows that outdoor voice 2G and 3G services by all four operators can be reached by 93% of Wales.

However, coverage on A and B roads by the four operators is around 50%, with only one operator reaching 76%.

Wales has about the same level of data not-spots – areas where there is little or no mobile phone coverage – as the UK overall, with 21% of the landmass not covered by a data service operator.

Paul James, of O2, said mobile phone coverage was being constrained by planning issues, especially limits on the size of masts, and bureaucracy at the Assembly. 

However, this year EE has deployed a new permanent 4G mast, which allowed visitors to access free wi-fi at the showground in Builth Wells, Powys.

Brian Thomas, FUW deputy president, said the farming industry was increasingly reliant on reliable mobile phone access to ensure access to 21st century services.

“It’s very important for us as farmers to have access to the internet through our mobile phones,” he added.

“We have got the BCMS (British Cattle Movement Service), SFP (single farm payment) and EID. All of these things are online.

“Appropriate mobile phone coverage is needed, especially if no broadband service is accessible.”

Mobile phone summit

Wales Office minister Guto Bebb revealed a further summit would take place this autumn to discuss how to improve mobile phone coverage in Wales.

He said a “multi-billion pound” investment by operators would improve mobile phone coverage over the next few years.

“The permanent mast which has been established at the showground is an example of what can be done,” he added.

“It’s not just there for the show, but is an example of an improvement to the area.”

During the four-day show, farmers highlighted areas in Wales on a map where there was still either no broadband, no mobile phone signal, or no broadband and mobile phone signal (See photo).

BT broadband commitment

Meanwhile, at a CLA Breakfast briefing on Tuesday, about 60% of an audience of 50 farmers and landowners raised their hands when asked if they felt their broadband service was “inadequate”.

Alwen Williams, BT director for Wales, said superfast broadband was now available in 50% of homes and businesses in rural Wales.

© Robert Dangerfield, CLA

However, she was “confident” that 96% of homes and businesses in Wales would have access to superfast broadband (speeds of 30MB or above) by next summer.

Mrs Williams said her company was committed to finding the remaining 4% with no access to broadband, which includes many farmers. “We will never say no to any community that wants faster broadband.”