Plans have been lodged for a new 4G/5G mobile phone mast in Tenby which has been previously highlighted as having “persistent not-spots” of coverage.

In an application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Reading-based Mobile Broadband Network Limited, through agent Dot Surveying Limited, seeks permission for 4G/5G telecommunications base station on a verge off The Salterns.

The replacement for an existing facility in the town includes a 20-metre-high monopole with built-in cabinet, supporting nine radio antennas, two transmission dishes and five ground-based cabinets.

A supporting statement accompanying the application says Mobile Broadband Network Limited is jointly owned by the mobile operators EE Limited and H3G ‘Three’; the two operators having a shared telecommunications site on the roof of The Park Hotel, North Cliff, Tenby.

It says: “The owner of the property has potential plans for the building. As a result of these plans, EE and Three will be decommissioning their apparatus. A replacement installation will therefore be required to ensure vital network coverage and capacity is maintained within the local area.”

It adds: “Unlike the existing site, the new base station will provide a combination of 4G (fourth Generation) and 5G (Fifth Generation) network coverage. 5G operates at a higher frequency and the signals do not travel as far.

“As a result, the radio planner for EE and Three (the person with ultimate responsibility for building and maintaining the network) has determined that a 20-metre-high monopole will be required to support the necessary radio antennas and achieve operational requirements.

“The new infrastructure will ensure network coverage and capacity is retained within the local area, to the benefit of residents, workers and visitors.”

The infrastructure will allow access to high-speed and reliable internet connectivity, the statement says.

It goes on to say there will be a loss of coverage to the area if the existing site were not replaced; the planned replacement also providing the local network with additional capacity, “offloading a degree of traffic from neighbouring base stations”.

Mobile phone signal across Tenby continues to be sporadic, leaving many locals and visitors frustrated,
Mobile phone coverage across Tenby continues to be sporadic, leaving many locals and visitors frustrated, (Observer pic)

“Essentially, this capacity will be lost without the proposed site. The result could make it difficult to make/receive phone calls, stream data and run applications, which would have a significant impact upon users of the network, including residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

“It is also significant that EE provides the network for the emergency services. This proposal will be crucial in providing coverage for their network in the vicinity, once the existing site is removed.”

The application will be considered by National Park planners at a later date.

Concerns about poor mobile connectivity in parts of Pembrokeshire, with Tenby previously highlighted, have been raised by Henry Tufnell MP.

Mr Tufnell previously said Tenby experiences what he described as persistent ‘not-spots’ during the town’s busy holiday season.

He said he had raised concerns with VodafoneThree UK and EE about improving service in Tenby.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

VodafoneThree UK has previously said it plans to upgrade the Slippery Back Lane mast in Tenby, but work is not expected to be completed until 2028.