Vodafone Targets 94 Percent 3G and 4G Coverage For Wales

Vodafone expects 94 percent of the Welsh population to receive 3G and 4G once its current investment plan for the country is completed, claiming it has already connected 400 communities to its LTE network.

Bridgend is the latest location to be added to the 4G network and rollout is ongoing in Caerphilly, Cardiff, Connah’s Quay, Llanelli, Newport and Penarth. Additionally, a number of Welsh villages are included in the first phase of the operator’s ‘Rural Open Sure Signal’ programme, which uses femtocells to boost coverage in rural areas.

The Welsh government has welcomed the news, claiming it will provide entertainment and connectivity benefits for consumers as well as productivity benefits for businesses.

Welsh 4G

“Connectivity is a key priority for the Welsh Government and the news that Vodafone is investing in Wales with its network and services is very welcome,” said economy minister Edwina Hart. “I also warmly welcome the improvements in connectivity that the local communities shortlisted for the Rural Open Sure Signal programme will see.”

Vodafone is spending £1 billion across the entire UK to improve its 2G, 3G and 4G networks, while all four operators have committed to invest £5 billion in their respective infrastructures to eliminate areas of poor coverage following intervention from the government.

“Our network improvements across Wales will ensure more people and businesses have the opportunity to thrive in today’s digital world, whilst the launch of 4G will give them the opportunity to access and share data faster than ever before,” said Vodafone UK CTO Jorge Fernandes. “However, this is only the start as we continue to invest in our network and services across the country.”

Vodafone’s 4G service currently reaches 2.2 million users and covers 57 percent of the UK, however Vodafone was the only operator to miss a requirement to provide 3G coverage to 90 percent of the population by June 2013.

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