Laura Sharman 09 August 2019

Watchdog warns millions of people at risk of mobile signal ‘blackouts’

Eight in ten areas in the UK suffer from patchy 4G mobile coverage, new research from Which? has revealed.

The study found that 80% of constituency areas lack full 4G coverage from all four major operators.

It found that even large towns and cities such as Brighton, Cardiff, Leeds and Essex are at risk of mobile signal blackouts.

According to the figures, the most poorly-served city-based constituencies were Rochford and Southend in Essex, South West Devon, and Romsey and Southampton North in Hampshire.

The worst affected town-based constituencies for mobile coverage were Clwyd West in Wales, Barrow and Furness in Cumbria, Ribble Valley in Lancashire and Scarborough and Whitby in North Yorkshire.

Which? is calling on the government must stick to its 95% target and ensure it includes 4G coverage from all four operators.

Caroline Normand, Which? director of advocacy, said: ‘Millions of people are finding it difficult to get a reliable mobile connection and risk missing out on digital services we increasingly rely on like online banking, maps and NHS information – while some even struggle to receive important calls and messages.

’To tackle this unacceptable and widening digital divide, the government must act now to connect the UK with truly comprehensive mobile and broadband by swiftly putting in place a plan to give communities the infrastructure they need.’

A separate survey by the consumer body also found half (49%) of people said they experienced patchy mobile phone signal at least once a month.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Team Leader LGV Driver (Seasonal)

Wakefield Council
£21,448.50 - £23,652.75, Grade 6, 27.75 hours, Permanent
This is a full-time post of 37 hours per week (Tuesday to Friday - March - November) Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Planning Ecologist

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 - Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
Wakefield Council has an exciting opportunity for an ecologist to joint our friendly, professional Planning Policy and Environment team Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Prestige Gardener

Wakefield Council
£28,598.00 - £31,537.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Temporary
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Prestige Gardener Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Planning Policy Lead

Ribble Valley Borough Council
PO5-8 (scp 35-38) £46,142 to £49,282 per annum
We are looking for a qualified planning professional with full RTPI membership and substantial knowledge Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Senior Occupational Therapist (Front Door Team)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£46,498 - £50,947 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Occupational Therapist to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner