By Katie-Ann Gupwell

Copyright walesonline

One positive thing about living in Wales is the country homes so many picturesque towns, and one that is praised for its beauty time and time again is Tenby. The stunning town in Pembrokeshire is celebrated for its historic medieval walls, beautiful pastel-coloured houses, stunning beaches and vibrant harbour; however, it seems residents often struggle to get a phone signal.

Earlier this month, a UK‑wide study by VodafoneThree predicted that tourism‑related small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales face a potential loss of £69 million annually due to insufficient phone signal. Swansea Bay News reported the study examined 50 UK staycation hotspots – such as Tenby, Porthcawl and New Quay – and discovered that better broadband and mobile signal could lead to enhancing takings for Welsh tourism traders by thousands of pounds every year.

It’s said, even though the study centred on named destinations, it’s probable the findings also apply to other rural and coastal areas in South West Wales, including Gower, Laugharne, Saundersfoot and the Pembrokeshire Coast. In these areas, visitors often complain about poor signal and slow internet speeds, even though they are super beautiful places to live.

The topic recently came up on Facebook, when a social media user asked: “What is the best mobile signal in Tenby please?” The simple question got many locals talking, where they admitted phone signal can be a problem in the seaside town.

Even though people adore the hotspot, something is causing a spot of bother. Phone signal is an issue for both residents and businesses.

One person said: “There is bad signal in Tenby anyway.” Another added: “I’ve been on them all over the years, and none of them have been particularly good in Tenby.”

A third replied: “The problem with Tenby isn’t signal strength, it’s capacity. In the winter, your phone, no matter what network, will work generally well everywhere.

“In the summer, when the town fills with people, you’ll find you’ve got full signal but you can’t make a call or use any apps or it will be very slow. The masts can only do so much and they max out. Too many people using the network.”

Meanwhile, a fourth shared a better experience, commenting: “There is no problem in Tenby. If there is supposed to be, we have never experienced it spending up to six months a year here.”

Back in April, residents in Tenby also complained about phone signal issues, according to the Pembrokeshire Herald. It’s said the topic was brought up ahead of the busy summer season.

County Councillor Michael Williams is reported to have raised the issue with Pembrokeshire County Council’s trading standards department in November last year. At the time, he claimed unreliable mobile signal was becoming a “serious concern” for residents and businesses alike.

Back then, Councillor Williams said: “All the providers are blaming visitor numbers, but that excuse doesn’t justify the charges people are paying. It’s the same problem every year, and it’s time something was done.”

All four major UK networks – EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three – operate in Tenby, but it’s said the infrastructure can find it tough to cope during peak seasons. The Herald reports, in the past, there have been plans to install new masts, such as a proposed 20-metre 4G mast, but it was put on hold. The plan fuelled objections as a result of the town’s location within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

During a Parliamentary debate earlier this year, ministers spoke about the concerns that Ofcom’s mobile coverage reports might not always reflect people’s true experience. This is an issue felt in Tenby and other rural hotspots. Ofcom has been contacted for further information.