Mobile coverage across the Swansea Bay City Region, has seen substantial improvements, thanks to the Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative.
The Shared Rural Network (SRN), a partnership between the UK Government and MNOs, is focused on improving mobile connectivity in rural and remote areas. The initiative aims to ensure that communities and businesses in these regions can access reliable mobile services, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
The latest data from Ofcom's Connected Nations 2024 report highlights a significant increase in areas with mobile coverage from all four UK mobile network operators (MNOs).
According to the Connected Nations 2024 report, mobile coverage in the Swansea Bay City Deal region has seen a marked improvement. In Pembrokeshire alone, coverage has risen from 67% to 84%, an increase that provides greater choice and value for customers. The improvement represents 106 additional square miles of 4G coverage and, in some areas, a significant increase from 97% to 99% coverage from one MNO. This progress has reduced the areas without coverage in the region from 3% to just 1%.
This success is mirrored in other parts of the region, where mobile coverage has similarly expanded. Mobile coverage from all four MNOs in Carmarthenshire has seen a marked improvement from 66% to 76% coverage. This equates to 91.5 more square miles of 4G coverage, with coverage from one MNO also improving from 95% to 97%. This decreases the areas within the county with no coverage at all from 5% to just 3%.
This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the SRN since going live in June 2024 and by delivering on its promise to enhance connectivity in rural parts of the UK.
Cllr. Paul Miller, representing Pembrokeshire County Council, commented: "This is a significant milestone for our rural communities, where reliable mobile connectivity has often been a challenge. Improved coverage enables people to work, live, and thrive in today’s digital world, without being left behind."
Cllr. Hazel Evans from Carmarthenshire County Council said: "We are thrilled to see the positive impact of the Shared Rural Network in Carmarthenshire. Increasing mobile coverage to 76% is a significant milestone that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike. It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in the digital age."
The SRN initiative is part of a broader effort to provide high-quality mobile coverage across 88% of the UK’s landmass by June 2024, with a target of 90% by January 2027. The improved connectivity will help foster economic growth and support local businesses across the Swansea Bay City Deal region, where digital infrastructure is crucial for both residents and industries.
As part of this initiative, the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme continues to support the region’s efforts. The Digital Champions, funded by the programme, are actively working with MNOs and their partners to ensure that rural communities in all four counties receive the mobile coverage needed to stay connected and competitive in the digital age.