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

LADO Operation Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £53076 per annum
Lead the safeguarding response that protects children and young people across two boroughs. As the LADO Operations Manager for Kensington and Chelsea England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Community Connector (Mid)

Essex County Council
£27665.00 - £32546.00 per annum
Community Connector (Mid)Fixed Term, Full Time£27,665 to £32,546.00 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Violence Reduction Team Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £53076 per annum
Lead a specialist team reducing violent harm and supporting young people to find safer, positive paths forward. As our Youth Violence Service Team Man England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Engineer (Highways Assets)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £44937 per annum
Help maintain and protect the borough's highways, bridges and drainage systems - keeping our streets safe and connected every dayHelp maintain and pro England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Quality and Improvement Officers

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363 p.a.
A vacancy has arisen within the Property Partnerships and Innovation team for two full time permanent Quality and Improvement Officers.   WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner