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

Social Worker Homelessness

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Social Worker – Homelessness£40,... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Driver

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
DriverFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 per annum pro rata Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Transportation and Infrastructure Planner

Essex County Council
£56537.00 - £66514.00 per annum
Principal Transportation and Infrastructure PlannerPermanent, Full Time£56,537 to £66,514 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

NETPark Property Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 2
Durham County Council
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Officer

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS).   WHAT IS INVOLV Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner