Mobile UK gave evidence to the Welsh Economy, Innovation and Skills Committee on Thursday 11thOctober calling for more pace and action by the Welsh Government on its Mobile Action Plan, now one year old.  Asked to provide a progress update Mobile UK, along with the four mobile operators, warned the Committee that if action was not progressed Wales risks falling behind other areas of the UK in terms of mobile coverage and capacity.

The industry body focused on the need for planning reform, and in particular, the need for change in the Permitted Development Rights regime, and for new initiatives to make mobile deployment more economically viable such as business rates relief for new mobile infrastructure. In addition, Mobile UK also called for new partnerships between mobile operators, the Welsh Government and local authorities, and called for the opening up of public assets to mobile operators, especially in harder to reach areas.

Gareth Elliott, Head of Policy and Communications at Mobile UK, said:

“The Mobile Action Plan was welcomed by industry, but the pace of implementation has not met its ambition. If progress is not made Wales risks falling behind other parts of the UK which are already moving ahead by breaking down barriers to mobile infrastructure deployment and considering options to make installation more economically viable, especially in harder to reach areas.”

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. Mobile UK's and the four MNO's evidence session can be viewed here.