Growing Mid Wales (GMW) has unveiled an innovative mobile mapping project to boost the digital infrastructure in Mid Wales.

They plan on doing this by spotlighting areas with poor mobile coverage and network capacity.

The initiative, is among the first of its kind in Wales.

Key to this project's unique approach is the deployment of data-capturing devices fitted onto waste collection vehicles across Powys and Ceredigion.

Performing their regular runs, the vehicles will record crucial data for improving mobile data and 4G connectivity.

One primary aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive and accurate map of mobile coverage in Mid Wales.

 

The goal is to identify locations with substandard mobile coverage and network capacity issues, potentially impacting the region's residents and businesses.

Data will be collected from the four main Mobile Network Operators, EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone.

Based on this information, GMW will cultivate targeted projects and interventions to tackle connectivity obstacles in critical areas.

The initiative is championed by the Mid Wales Growth Deal Digital Programme.

A collaborative long-term investment from UK and Welsh Governments, the Mid Wales Growth Deal, accumulates to an impressive £110m.

Backed by local authorities in Powys and Ceredigion, and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the initiative will also develop a coverage checker tool.

This free-to-use tool will be launched on the GMW website later in the summer.

The tool will enable residents and stakeholders to check mobile coverage in their areas and determine the optimal mobile providers.

Mobile network analysts Streetwave are collaborating with GMW on the project.

The GMW team highlighted the significance of this initiative: "We are thrilled to launch this groundbreaking project in Mid Wales.

"Identifying and addressing 'mobile not-spots' and areas of poor network capacity is crucial for the region's development."

The team continued: "This initiative aligns with GMW's overarching goals, supporting decision-making for digital infrastructure deployments, regional economic development, and innovation.

"Having better information about coverage will increase our ability to work with commercial providers to address genuine not-spots and problem areas in coverage.

"In turn, this will help us pinpoint the areas where public intervention may be required to accelerate and/or enable deployment to ensure we have safe, reliable coverage across the region."

Updates on the project's progress will be shared regularly, and people can sign up for the newsletter at growingmidwales@ceredigion.gov.uk.