UK Government faces criticism over mobile signal blackspots

BT: BT is a major UK telecommunications provider offering landline and related services to customers in remote areas. It provides options such as backup power solutions to maintain connectivity during outages. In the news, it addresses concerns from residents in signal blackspots by confirming support measures for power cuts. Bob Driver: Bob Driver is a telecommunications consultant familiar with connectivity issues in historic towns like Ely. He notes challenges related to infrastructure placement and planning. In the news, he provides context on why signal remains limited in the city center. Ema Sabljak: Ema Sabljak contributed additional reporting to the BBC News article on UK mobile blackspots. In the news, her input supports the coverage of personal stories from affected communities. Rosie Mercer: Rosie Mercer contributed additional reporting to the BBC News article on UK mobile blackspots. In the news, her input supports the coverage of personal stories from affected communities. Bella McBride: Bella McBride operates a kiosk in Llandudno and processes customer payments via card machines. She experiences frequent disruptions from unreliable mobile coverage. In the news, she illustrates the practical difficulties for small businesses in the area. Paul Williams: Paul Williams serves as general manager of Llandudno Pier in north Wales. He oversees operations in a busy tourist area where businesses depend on mobile signal for transactions. In the news, he notes the widespread impact of poor signal on local traders. UK Government: The UK Government sets national policy and targets for telecommunications infrastructure across the country. It works with mobile network operators to expand coverage and has primary responsibility for strategic goals like achieving widespread 5G access. In the news, it highlights ongoing efforts to improve rural connectivity and modernize planning processes to support infrastructure rollout. Alan Heseldine: Alan Heseldine runs a seafood kiosk on Llandudno Pier and depends on mobile connectivity for sales and supplier communications. He deals with inconsistent signal that hinders operations. In the news, he explains how the poor coverage complicates daily business tasks. Catháir Brady: Catháir Brady works at a theatre in Coalisland, Northern Ireland. He has observed changes in 5G reliability over time in his local area. In the news, he compares improvements in one town with ongoing limitations in another. Joanne Sinclair: Joanne Sinclair works at a hardware store in Stewartstown, Northern Ireland. She handles business calls and payments that benefit from better mobile coverage. In the news, she describes how recent network enhancements have supported her family's operations. Trudi King-Gunn: Trudi King-Gunn works at the Eskdalemuir Community Hub in a remote Scottish village. She relies on Wi-Fi and landlines due to near-total lack of mobile signal and has highlighted risks during emergencies and power cuts. In the news, she describes the daily challenges faced by the village's residents. Tasnime Rotherham: Tasnime Rotherham manages a mobile catering business in Ely, Cambridgeshire. She processes many payments by card and has encountered issues with failed transactions due to weak signal. In the news, she discusses adaptations like using trader Wi-Fi to mitigate the problem. Policy Focus: The government prioritizes collaboration with operators to deliver reliable mobile connectivity as a foundation for economic growth. Network Improvements: Some regions have seen better 4G and 5G reliability in recent years through expanded infrastructure, though coverage remains uneven. Infrastructure Challenges: Historic and conservation areas face planning hurdles that delay new mobile masts despite local permissions.