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Thanks to a collaboration between the Anglesey tidal energy scheme, Virgin Media O2, and the Welsh Government, South Stack, which was previously known for its lack of mobile reception, has become one of the first places in the UK to benefit from new satellite technology.

A lack of mobile and data connectivity posed challenges for businesses and tourists in the area. Given the progress of the Morlais project on site, there was an even greater need to ensure reliable connectivity. A stable mobile network was essential to support the construction team and monitor marine wildlife.

The introduction of Starlink satellite technology has brought reliable high-speed mobile connection to this part of Holy Island. Gareth Roberts, operations lead at Morlais, expressed delight in being able to improve local mobile connection by working with Virgin Media O2. The technology is crucial for monitoring marine wildlife and provides reliable mobile service for workers on the substation construction site.

Satellite technology, such as Stralink low-earth orbit satellites, allows mobile network providers to connect rural areas to the mobile network, bridging the gaps in connectivity.

Wales’s economy minister, Vaughan Gething MS, praised the investment made by Virgin Media O2 and Wavemobile in research and development in Wales. This investment supports the Morlais tidal energy project and resolves the historically challenging mobile ‘notspot’. The reliable 4G connectivity brought to the area through satellite technology will vastly improve the mobile signal for the local community, businesses, and visitors while ensuring minimal negative impact on marine wildlife.

Work on the Morlais landfall substation near South Stack is nearing completion, and cabling to the grid connection site at nearby Parc Cybi is already finished. The deployment of the first turbines in the sea is expected to occur by 2026, generating clean low-carbon electricity at the site. The scalable nature of the new technology allows for gradual development of Morlais while continuously monitoring its impact on marine wildlife.

The Morlais project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government and is supported by Isle of Anglesey County Council, North Wales Growth Deal, and The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

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