THE Ceiriog Valley is set to receive a boost for its mobile phone coverage with the announcement that a major phone network will be extending its 4G coverage.

EE has announced it will extend its coverage to Glyn Ceiriog, Wrexham and other 71 rural areas in Wales by 2024 under the Shared Rural Network programme.

EE has built or upgraded nearly 30 4G sites across Wales since December 2021, as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) initiative to extend coverage in rural areas across the UK.

The Shared Rural Network – an agreement between the UK’s four mobile network operators and UK Government – is aiming to extend 4G coverage to 95 per cent of the UK’s geography by 2025.

Philip Jansen, chief executive of BT Group, said that the business is committed to ensuring that even the most remote areas of the country are connected.

He explained: "Despite a challenging economic environment, we’re continuing to invest in rural infrastructure to achieve that.

"EE’s 4G has expanded by 500 square miles over the past year and we continue to be the sole provider of mobile services in many areas of the UK."

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In total across the UK, EE has upgraded 1,362 sites since the SRN deal was signed in March 2020, bringing improved connectivity to each UK nation.

The company plans to deliver 71 more 4G upgrades to rural areas in Wales by 2024.

Across the UK, a total of around 900 more upgrades are planned, with each UK nation receiving additional coverage.

EE has added more than 420 square miles of new EE 4G coverage across the UK in 2022, extending its lead as the UK’s largest 4G network.

Many of the upgrades have helped improve coverage throughout the UK’s road network, a key benefit of the Shared Rural Network programme.

A BT spokesman said: "Whether using the motorway network, or driving along key ‘A’ roads, those travelling to see loved ones over Christmas will find the widest 4G coverage yet, helping to keep kids entertained with streaming movies and festive hits."