EE and Three propose 20m 5G mast to prevent Tenby coverage gap
A new monopole at The Salterns is planned to replace a decommissioned site at The Park Hotel.
Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) has applied to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for a new 4G/5G telecommunications base station in Tenby. The proposal aims to secure vital connectivity for the coastal town and introduce 5G capabilities to the local area.
The proposed infrastructure consists of a 20-metre-high monopole located on a verge off The Salterns. Developed by MBNL—a joint venture between EE and Three—the installation is designed to replace an existing shared site currently situated on the roof of The Park Hotel. That existing site must be decommissioned due to the owner's future development plans for the building.
Connectivity Struggles in Tenby
Tenby has a documented history of mobile connectivity issues, which often intensify during the peak holiday season. The town's struggle with digital infrastructure has reached the parliamentary level, with Henry Tufnell MP previously lobbying providers to address persistent "not-spots" throughout the town.
While other upgrades are in the pipeline, they offer little immediate relief. VodafoneThree UK has plans to upgrade the Slippery Back Lane mast in Tenby, but that work is not expected to be completed until 2028, leaving a significant gap in the town's connectivity timeline.
The Risk of Coverage Loss
According to a supporting statement from MBNL, the failure to replace the Park Hotel site could make it difficult for residents, businesses, and visitors to make phone calls, stream data, or run essential applications. The company warns that such a loss of service would have a significant impact on all network users in the vicinity.
Beyond consumer convenience, the replacement is framed as a necessity to prevent a total loss of coverage in the local area. Maintaining a stable signal is critical for the functionality of local networks and the general safety of the community.
Next Steps for the Network
The application now sits with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for approval. Observers will be watching whether the National Park authority balances the aesthetic and environmental concerns of the protected landscape against the urgent demand for improved digital infrastructure. Until the new monopole is approved and installed, the town remains dependent on the aging infrastructure at The Park Hotel, which faces imminent decommissioning.