LGA responds to Which? report into coverage ‘blackouts’

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board, responds to the report by Which? that found that millions are at risk of mobile signal ‘blackouts’.

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“To prosper in the digital age, residents and businesses need access to fast and reliable digital connectivity at home, at work and while on the move. High quality and consistent mobile coverage is a vital part of this, and can only be achieved if our communities are served by all four major mobile operators not just one or two.”  

“At the centre of communities, councils are well placed to understand the digital needs of their areas. The LGA’s Post-Brexit England Commission, launched in July, outlined councils’ concerns that mobile network operators’ coverage data is not reflective of consumers’ mobile experience on the ground in rural areas. Independent coverage has been revealing patchy access, high dropped call rates and not-spots in areas where coverage is reported to be sufficient. 

“Ultimately, any deal that Government strikes with mobile network operators needs to hold them to account on their coverage and ensure that our communities and businesses receive the world class connectivity they deserve”

Notes to editors

  • The LGA’s Post-Brexit England Commission outlines the role councils can play in partnership with mobile operators to help catalyse the spread of digital connectivity across the country.  
  • Councils in England face an overall funding gap of £8 billion by 2025. The LGA’s #CouncilsCan campaign calls on the Prime Minister to ensure the forthcoming Spending Review secures the future of vital local services and the long-term financial sustainability of councils. Visit our campaign page for more information.