Streetwave Surveys Mobile Network Speeds at the Royal Welsh Show

Network analyst firm Streetwave, in collaboration with Growing Mid Wales and the Welsh Government (WG), has shared the results from a recent survey they conducted, which tested the mobile broadband coverage and performance of 4G and 5G networks – including EE, Three UK, Vodafone and O2 – around the recently held Royal Welsh Show.

The show is considered to be one of Wales’ main annual agricultural events, attracting over 200,000 visitors to celebrate farming, rural life, livestock competitions, and local produce. Mobile network connectivity is also considered to be a vital part of delivering this because it allows visitors to communicate and access real time event schedules, while also supporting local businesses to process cashless payments etc.

Suffice to say that there was clearly some interest in seeing how well local mobile connectivity performed during the event. In response, Streetwave used one of its portable data collections units – equipped with Smartphones and SIM cards from all major UK mobile networks – to measure local network performance on 2nd July 2025 (baseline testing) and again on 22nd July 2025 during peak attendance at the show.

Overall, Three UK was the only mobile operator (MNO) to improve network quality, with ‘Essential Coverage‘ rising by 40% across the showground and median throughput speeds increasing dramatically by 18,500%, thanks to the deployment of a temporary mast on-site. By comparison, O2 and Vodafone experienced “significant declines” in both coverage and speeds, plummeting by 99% and 37%, respectively, during the event.

Finally, EE demonstrated more stable performance, with Essential Coverage decreasing modestly from 100% before the event to 93% during the show, likely supported by the recent installation of a permanent mast on the site. Detailed results are available after the comment below.

Aled Rhys Jones, Chief Executive Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said:

“As hosts of Wales’ premier agricultural event, we pride ourselves on offering a warm welcome to all our visitors, exhibitors, and partners. Ensuring robust digital connectivity is now as vital to the Show’s success as our traditional hospitality. Over recent years, we have worked closely with industry and government to improve mobile coverage and digital services across the showground, but we recognise this is an ongoing journey – there is always more to do.

The findings from Streetwave’s independent research highlight just how much bandwidth is consumed during the Royal Welsh Show, underlining the importance of continued investment and innovation to meet the growing needs of our rural community and the thousands who join us each year.”

You can see more results below, although it will be interesting to see whether the outcome for O2 and Vodafone is a bit better for next year’s event, particularly after the recent VodafoneThree merger.

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