PHONE signal could improve in parts of rural Conwy as masts are upgraded by the summer.

Mobile network operator EE said its Pentrefoelas and Llangwm masts will be upgraded as part of the Shared Rural Network initiative, which focuses on areas with high summer demand such as national parks, coastal locations and roads.

EE set up a brand-new mast in Abergele last year and it expects to switch on two more in Abergele and Ffordd Maeshafn. An upgrade will also be carried out in Capel Curig, Snowdonia.

An EE spokesperson said: “We’re currently in the process of upgrading two of our masts in the Pentrefoelas and Llangwm areas of Conwy.

“Customers in both areas already benefit from EE 4G connectivity, but these upgrades will enhance existing coverage and improve indoor signal quality within these communities.”

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, welcomed work that already has been carried out in his constituency.

Since 2019, EE has also set up new masts in Ruthin, Corwen and Denbigh. It will expand 4G in a total of 76 locations across Wales this year.

Mr Millar said: “Reliable connectivity is important wherever you live, work or travel these days and I thank EE for their commitment to improving and adding coverage to even the most remote areas in Clwyd West, and the rest of North Wales.

“They have been focusing on covering areas with high summer demand, including Wales’ three national parks, coastal locations and roads and thanks to their efforts many more people in the area are enjoying the benefits of 4G.

“Mobile connectivity plays a vital role in supporting the economy and keeping communities in touch and I am pleased that this investment has been made and that a number of rural not-spots have been banished as a result.

“Unfortunately, there are still issues with poor signals elsewhere in Conwy and Denbighshire so look forward to further areas benefitting in the near future.”