Mobile coverage to bring digital connectivity to Wales’ National Parks and rural tourism hotspots
Mobile coverage to bring digital connectivity to Wales’ National Parks and rural tourism hotspots
Visitors to Wales’ most iconic national parks and rural beauty spots will soon enjoy dramatically improved mobile connectivity thanks to a major network upgrade rolled out as part of the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme.
Nearly 30 mobile masts across the country — previously serving only EE customers and emergency 999 calls — have now been upgraded to support all major UK network providers. The move brings fast, reliable 4G coverage to thousands of residents and tourists in remote areas where signal has historically been weak or non-existent.
The upgraded infrastructure is designed to minimise environmental impact by enhancing existing masts rather than building new ones, preserving the natural landscape of some of Wales’ most treasured outdoor destinations.
National parks set to benefit include Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) as well as scenic rural communities across Radnorshire, Montgomeryshire, Monmouthshire, Ceredigion. The improvements are expected to support the tourism economy, enhance public safety, and improve access to digital services.
Boosting local economies and visitor safety
UK Government ministers have described the upgrades as a key step in reducing the digital divide and supporting regional economic development.
“Wales’ national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet,” said Chris Bryant, UK Telecoms Minister.
“This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age — where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe.”
The enhancements are expected to offer tangible benefits for local businesses, enabling faster payments, digital bookings, and better access to online services. Farmers and rural enterprises will also be able to adopt smart technologies and data-driven solutions to boost productivity and sustainability.
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, added: “Some of Wales’ most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. Reliable connectivity is crucial for daily life and essential for supporting Wales’ vital tourism sector. This is a significant step in our mission to create jobs, kickstart economic growth, and unlock opportunity in rural areas.”
Economic impact of better connectivity
A report by telecoms consultancy FarrPoint estimates that better connectivity could boost the gross value added (GVA) of affected areas by 0.5% annually. It highlights increased innovation, remote working opportunities, and expanded market access as key drivers of this growth.
Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, which is managing the SRN programme, praised the joint efforts of government and industry saying: “This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. Thanks to strong collaboration, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. Coverage from all four operators has grown from 66% to 81% of the UK since the programme began — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined.”
Further rollouts planned
As part of the SRN’s next phase, a further 50 rural sites across England, Scotland and Wales are targeted for upgrades by March 2026, aiming to further eliminate coverage blackspots and ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age.
The initiative is a key component of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, which seeks to improve infrastructure, drive regional growth, and increase opportunity for all areas of the country.
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