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<p>The Emergency Services Network (ESN) is being provided primarily to deliver world
class critical voice and data to the emergency services, and to replace the existing
Airwave network with one provided by EE, who operate the UK’s largest and fastest
4G Network.</p><p>The details of ESN and Extended Area Service (EAS) masts in (a)
Dwyfor Meirionnydd, (b) Arfon, (c) Ceredigion and (d) Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
are as follows:</p><table><tbody><tr><td>ESN masts completed</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>EAS
masts completed (not yet operational)</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>ESN masts scheduled</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>EAS
masts scheduled</td><td>30</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Some additional ESN sites are
likely to follow. Their locations are currently being confirmed.</p><p>I can also
confirm that all ESN masts can be shared by multiple mobile network operators. The
same will potentially apply to the 30 EAS masts, subject to approval by the relevant
Planning Authorities.</p><p>In respect of cost, I am afraid it is not possible to
aggregate ESN costs down to specific geographic locations and any specific costs in
relation to EAS would breach the disproportionate cost threshold. <br>The Government’s
ambition is to have high-quality mobile connectivity where people live, work and travel,
and we have committed to extending geographic coverage to 95% of the UK. Roaming in
rural areas has the potential to improve consumer choice and could be a solution for
the problem of “partial not-spots” (where one or more operators are present, but all
four are not). It refers to the ability of customers of one network to use another
provider’s network when they do not have access to a signal in a given area. This
is currently mandated for emergency calls so that a 999 call can be made from any
mobile in all areas where there is a signal from at least one operator. Improving
mobile coverage in rural areas is a priority for us and we are considering all the
options available to us, including rural roaming, to facilitate this.</p>
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