Mobile phone companies are being urged not to leave rural communities until last as they look to rollout 5G coverage across the UK.

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts has this week met with Vodafone, EE, BT and Three to push for further improvements to mobile coverage and data services across rural north Wales including the roll-out of new 5G technology.

Ms Saville Roberts and Arfon MP Hywel Williams both say mobile providers have so far failed to learn from the mistakes made during the roll-out of 2G, 3G and 4G, and that they always leave the hard-to-reach areas until last.

Ms Saville Roberts, said: “The roll-out of 5G technology could be a game-changer for rural areas such as Dwyfor Meirionnydd. Businesses in particular require the best possible conditions to establish and develop, and that includes access to the latest mobile data technology.

“I would therefore urge all mobile providers to learn from mistakes made during the roll-out of 2G, 3G and 4G and prioritise investment in rural, hard-to-reach communities which are at a historic disadvantage when it comes to mobile connectivity.

“Irrespective of their location, it is important that those who rely on mobile connectivity receive the same quality of mobile services. There is currently not nearly enough attention given to digital inclusion for the whole of the UK.

“This digital divide has the potential to leave the UK’s rural communities high and dry which will inevitably have a knock-on effect on regional economies.”

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