Calls for mobile operators to give guarantees over rural ‘not-spot’ proposals
Campaign groups have called on mobile operators to give guarantees for consumers and businesses over plans to tackle so-called rural not-spots.
Consumer group Which and four rural organisations have penned a letter to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) calling for legal obligations to ensure operators improve 4G coverage in rural areas.
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It comes after the four major mobile companies outlined proposals for a so-called single rural network, allowing them to share masts on a reciprocal basis to improve coverage in the countryside.
As part of the arrangement, O2, Vodafone, EE and Three would also set up a joint company to build new masts in areas with no coverage.
In return, the companies have asked regulator Ofcom for rural coverage obligations to be ditched from upcoming spectrum auctions, and for a reduction in annual licence fees.
But the lobby groups have warned that the proposals are not legally binding and would result in 95 per cent coverage by 2026, four years later than existing government commitments.
“It is shocking that year after year some people are still not able to carry out even the most basic tasks because of poor phone signal where they live,” said Caroline Normand, director of advocacy at Which.
“While we welcome mobile operators looking to take a lead on this vital issue, these proposals must be legally binding to guarantee 4G is finally delivered in a fair and affordable way to those who need it the most.”
In addition to the legal obligations, the letter to DCMS called on operators to ensure coverage obligations are delivered as soon as possible.
Ofcom should set up robust monitoring arrangements, while the operators should also be required to publish a rollout plan, the groups said.
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“Only a strong, robust, transparent and legally binding regulatory framework will ensure the needs of the countryside are met in a timely manner,” said Tim Breitmeyer, president of the Country Land and Business Association, one of the signatories.
The Countryside Alliance, National Farmers Union and Rural Services Network also signed the letter.