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.

Mapping successful 15-minute cities image

Mapping successful 15-minute cities

Is GIS the difference between success and failure for 15-minute neighbourhoods? Alex Zirpolo, principal GIS consultant at Lanpro, argues it is.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner