'Shockingly awful' mobile phone signals in Swansea city centre are to be boosted

Plans to improve mobile phone connectivity in Swansea city centre have taken a major step forward. Technology is to be installed on street lighting to help boost network capacity during busy times.

The agreement has been made between Swansea Council and a company called Freshwave, and Virgin Media O2 has committed to deploying up to 10 small cells initially in the city centre, with further investments anticipated. It comes after a WalesOnline report in February found many people had experienced difficulties with signal failure in the area. You can read that by clicking here.

One person said at the time: "O2 signal is terrible on a good day, but as soon as there is any event in the arena or stadium it's non-existent." Another added: "It’s been shockingly awful for months, there are complete black spots where it drops out completely." Another said: "If I’m out for the day that way I can’t reply on my phone at all." For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here.

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Swansea Council said the small cells would also support the potential implementation of other technology to monitor things like smart bins and air pollution. It added how the agreement aligned with the Swansea Bay City Deal digital infrastructure programme's goal to generate a regional economic boost of £318 million in the coming years.

The authority said an 'open access agreement' had been signed, allowing mobile network operators to access and share council-owned assets for their digital infrastructure. The non-exclusive approach will enable the local authority to maintain control of its assets while engaging with multiple mobile network operators. Benefits of this model, it said, included reducing barriers for mobile network operators, incentivising the use of existing infrastructure, and facilitating quicker deployment of new technologies.

Head of radio and mobile backhaul delivery at Virgin Media O2, Steven Verigotta, said: “With the largest small cell network of any major operator in the UK, we understand how effective they can be in boosting local network capacity in busy areas. With upgrade programmes underway right across our network, we’re working hard to ensure our customers consistently receive an exceptional network experience wherever they are and even at the busiest times.” Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android

Freshwave's head of partnerships, Nick Wiggin, said: “We’re very happy to have signed an open access agreement with Swansea Council and are looking forward to deploying the technology on behalf of Virgin Media O2 for the benefit of their customers. Open access agreements make it easier to install new technologies so communities can enjoy enhanced connectivity with all the benefits it brings.”

Swansea Council leader, councillor Rob Stewart added: "This scheme is aimed at tackling connectivity issues in Swansea city centre while supporting our ambition to become a more digitally advanced city. It will also be futureproofed to meet the increasing demand for data and connectivity, fostering innovation for the benefit of our residents and businesses.

"The collaboration between the Swansea Bay City Deal's digital infrastructure programme with Swansea Council, Freshwave and Virgin Media O2 represents a significant stride towards a more connected and technologically advanced Swansea city centre with assets that can lead to a more thriving city landscape for residents, visitors and potential investors.” Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.