PLAID Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards this week met with mobile phone giant EE to discuss greater mobile coverage as part of his Connecting Carmarthenshire campaign.

At his meeting in Westminster Mr Edwards highlighted the need for upgraded masts to provide wider and stronger signals to mobile phone users, and discussed the elimination of ‘partial not-spots’ in Carmarthenshire.

Partial not-spots are areas where there is coverage from some but not all mobile phone providers.

Communications regulator, Ofcom, suggests partial not spots are more likely to have a practical impact upon consumers.

Mr Edwards has made a series of representations to the UK Government regarding increased investment in infrastructure and a reform of the market for mobile phone provision so that customers can switch providers more easily.

During his meeting with EE, Mr Edwards also raised the issue of rural connectivity and discussed phone giant’s ‘micro-network’ scheme currently being tested in Monmouthshire. Like similar schemes operating for broadband provision in Carmarthenshire, a ‘micro-network’ for mobile phones could bring good mobile phone signals to even the most remote community.

Speaking after his meeting Mr Edwards said: “I was very encouraged with my meeting with EE and I was pleased to note that they are taking the concerns of Carmarthenshire residents seriously in terms of improving connectivity.

“As part of my Connecting Carmarthenshire campaign I have highlighted the need to remove partial and complete not-spots for both broadband and mobile phone signal. Not spots continue to be a frustrating hindrance to my constituents. EE’s commitment to investing in mobile phone coverage infrastructure is a welcome relief to years of underinvestment in our communities.

“I am very excited with their pilot scheme which could revolutionise the provision of mobile phone service to rural residents and ensure that the benefits from broadband and mobile phone coverage are universal. We have seen similar schemes work for rural broadband connectivity, and I hope that this pilot scheme will enable us to build a more integrated Carmarthenshire.”

Mr Edwards added: “This is a campaign about people, our communities and our economy. Improving our connectivity will ensure our communities can better interact with each other and wider society, and develop Carmarthenshire as a place for investment and business. This meeting was certainly a step in that direction.”