MPs HARRIETT Baldwin and Bill Wiggin have backed a consultation looking into ways phone operators could free up their networks to allow people in rural areas better mobile phone signals.
The backing comes after the Government announced plans to consult on proposals to allow mobile phone customers to ‘roam’ on to other networks to help them get better signals in poor reception areas.
Mrs Baldwin has been looking into the matter recently after receiving complaints from residents in areas in Upton-upon-Severn and Pershore affected regularly by poor signal on their mobiles.
More than 15 per cent of the county suffers from low coverage with a much higher percentage in rural parts of Worcestershire and the MP has raised residents’ problems with Culture Secretary Sajid Javid and met network bosses.
“I’m not a technical expert, but when I travel overseas I seem to get more of a signal than in Martley, Upton or Pershore,” she said.
“I was not surprised to see how much of the county is getting poor coverage and we need to make sure that in this day and age, mobile phone service is universal.
“As more homes and businesses rely on mobiles rather than landlines, it seems right that the Government is acting to ensure that people aren’t let down by their own phone operator. Please do write to me about not spots.
“I encourage people to download the Rootmetrics application which maps and reports phone signals. This will help to make the case to Government that we need this ‘roaming’ measure sooner rather than later.”
Also addressing the issue is Ledbury MP Bill Wiggin who has urged residents in the town to get involved with the consultation.
“This situation is unacceptable and I am determined that it should not be allowed to continue,” he said.
“If people holidaying in the UK can access a better mobile signal when their phone roams, why can’t we do the same for those who live here too?
“I would urge all my constituents who have problems with their mobile signal to take part in the consultation.”
Residents can take part in the consultation by visiting www.gov.uk/government/consultations/tackling-partial-not-spots-in-mobile-phone-coverage.
