News
EE extends 4G coverage in National Park
EE, the UK’s largest mobile operator and part of the BT Group, has switched on two new 4G mobile sites in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, providing 4G coverage to residents and tourists in the local area.
Visitors discovering the wildlife and enjoying the coastal views, will now be able to seamlessly share memorable moments in more places with friends and family, all with superfast 4G connectivity.
The two sites provide new 4G coverage to communities such as Pontfaen and improves 4G coverage along major roads through the Park, such as the B4313 and A487. In addition, 12 further sites in the county have recently been upgraded to 4G.
The 4G coverage expansion is part of EE’s ongoing investment to provide coverage for the new Emergency Services Network, which will connect 300,000 UK emergency services personnel.
EE is working closely with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to improve mobile phone coverage so local residents, business and tourists to the national park will now be able to access reliable 4G coverage.
Stephen Crabb, MP, commented: “We welcome EE’s investment in our digital infrastructure. Improving mobile signal is a key way of helping rural areas compete and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority fully supports such improvements.
“The new masts will provide additional coverage for many new residents and businesses as well as helping with tourism. I understand that some areas will now have 4G coverage for the very first time. This shows the commitment of both parties to work together to provide better mobile phone coverage in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”
Alwen Williams, BT Director for Wales, said: “4G connectivity in rural areas is much needed. 4G is making a huge difference to people across the UK. We know our customers demand more than calls and texts, so our focus is on providing superfast 4G data as well as high quality voice. With 4G in more places than any other provider, our customers can do more with their smartphones and stay connected wherever they go.”
Across the UK, EE is building and upgrading hundreds of sites to 4G every week as part of its network expansion.
Some of these sites add new coverage while some increase signal strength, capacity and reliability in areas with existing coverage. EE’s 4G network, which covers more than 90% of the UK geography, has the fastest 4G speeds for streaming, downloading and video sharing.
EE also recently launched a new 4G home broadband solution with the potential to connect 580,000 homes across the UK, particularly those in rural areas, via EE’s superfast 4G network.
The new 4G home broadband combines the 4GEE Home Router with a powerful external antenna and professional installation service, and is designed as an alternative for those in rural communities that have yet to be connected with traditional fixed line broadband access or where customers can only receive slower fixed broadband speeds.
To learn more about EE’s indoor and outdoor 2G, 3G and 4G service, customers can use EE’s online Coverage Checker.
With EE’s Network Status Checker, customers can also set tailored alerts for places important to them, such as their place of work or home, and they will receive personalised alerts if there are network issues.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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