Written question WQ93174
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
What action is the Welsh Government taking to improve mobile phone reception in Llandudno?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language
Telecommunications is not a devolved matter and responsibility for mobile phone connectivity in Llandudno lies with the UK Government. However, we are using the powers available to us to create the right conditions for improving mobile coverage across Wales through the Mobile Action Plan for Wales and latterly through our digital infrastructure barrier busting taskforce.
We have already made changes to planning legislation that enable mobile network operators to build higher, wider masts through permitted development rights and to deploy small cell technologies that support 5G, we have updated Planning Policy Wales and Future Wales, in relation to mobile connectivity. The taskforce worked with the mobile industry, local Government and others to tackle a range of issues faced in deploying mobile infrastructure across Wales.
We are also working closely with the UK Government and mobile industry on their Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme and a joint working group has been established to support the delivery of the programme in Wales.