The government sets out plans to eliminate poor mobile coverage that blights a fifth of the UK.
As part of its long-term economic plan, the government today set out plans to eliminate the poor mobile coverage that blights a fifth of the UK.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid today said mobile users in many parts of the UK regularly suffer from a poor signal leaving them unable to make calls or send texts.
These areas – so-called ‘partial not-spots’ – have coverage from some but not all of the 4 mobile networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone). Depending on the network consumers are on, they, therefore, may have no coverage.
The Culture Secretary is determined to improve coverage from all 4 networks in these areas and has therefore launched a consultation on the various legislative proposals that can help achieve this.
This will give the government the chance to hear views on these proposals from all interested parties.
Talks have been held with the mobile companies in recent months in an attempt to find a voluntary solution and this work by the industry is expected to continue whilst the consultation runs.
Sajid Javid said, ‘I’m determined to ensure the UK has world-class mobile phone coverage as an investment in infrastructure will help drive this government’s long-term economic plan.
‘It can’t be right that in a fifth of the UK, people cannot use their phones to make a call. The government isn’t prepared to let that situation continue.
‘We’ve been talking to the mobile companies about the problem and they are working with us to find a solution.
‘This consultation will complement the work industry is doing and allow the government to hear from the wider telecoms sector, businesses and the public.
‘Businesses have been clear about the importance of mobile phones and improved coverage will help deliver jobs and economic security.’
