Clwyd MS Darren Millar has challenged the Welsh Government over what action is being taken to tackle mobile phone and high-speed broadband blackspots across rural Wales.

Mr Millar says too many communities across North Wales are still without reliable, high-speed broadband, despite dependable digital connectivity becoming increasingly important for work, education and access to essential services.

He recently submitted a Written Question to the Cabinet Secretary for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, asking what action the Welsh Government is taking to address the problem.

In his response, the Cabinet Secretary said telecommunications is not a devolved matter and responsibility for improving mobile phone and broadband connectivity in Wales rests with the UK Government.

However, he said the Welsh Government was working to create the right conditions for investment by the telecommunications industry.

“We aim to create the right conditions for telecoms industry investment in mobile phone connectivity with the levers at our disposal and continue to make the case for ongoing investment in digital infrastructure throughout Wales,” he said.

“This includes encouraging private sector operators to expand their own networks.”

The response also highlighted several Welsh Government initiatives, including work with BT and Denbighshire County Council which recently helped bring a mobile phone signal to the rural village of Clocaenog for the first time.

But Mr Millar says he is concerned that the response failed to address the potential role of the Welsh planning system in helping to speed up the rollout of digital infrastructure.

The Clwyd MS has consistently campaigned for improved digital connectivity, arguing that reliable high-speed broadband is now an essential service rather than a luxury for rural households and businesses.

He said: “It is welcome that the Welsh Government recognises the problems faced by rural communities when it comes to mobile phone coverage and broadband speeds, but this response raises as many questions as answers.

“I remain particularly concerned about the number of areas across North Wales where people still cannot access reliable high-speed broadband in 2026. That simply isn’t good enough.

“There is no mention whatsoever of whether the planning system is acting as a barrier to the rollout of the infrastructure we need.

“I therefore intend to raise this issue during a forthcoming Business Statement in the Senedd and will be pressing the Welsh Government for clearer clarity on what it can do to ensure planning processes are not unnecessarily delaying or preventing improvements to connectivity.”

Mr Millar says better digital infrastructure is particularly important in rural areas, where poor connectivity can affect residents' ability to work, study, access public services and run businesses.

He is now calling for greater clarity over the respective responsibilities of the Welsh and UK Governments, as well as action to ensure planning processes do not unnecessarily hold up improvements to mobile and broadband coverage.