A £5BILLION deal to boost mobile phone signals in rural areas including Pershore has been welcomed by town MP Harriett Baldwin.
The cash investment was agreed by Culture Secretary Sajid Javid after meeting with the mobile phone operators – including EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three – to urge them to improve their coverage in rural areas and in so-called ‘partial not-spots’.
Partial not-spots are areas within the UK that have coverage from some but not all of the four mobile networks.
Mrs Baldwin raised the issue with her fellow Worcestershire MP after receiving formal complaints from businesses and residents based in Upton-upon-Severn and Pershore who struggle regularly with signal problems.
“I am pleased that a deal has been struck ensuring increased investment in the rural mobile phone network.” she said.
“As somebody who is always on the go in Worcestershire, I am fully aware how many mobile phone black spots exist and this can be extremely frustrating.
“Many businesses depend on their mobile phones to stay in touch with customers and families and friends need them too.
“I look forward to hearing more detail on the plan and if the mobile phone companies want any suggestions about mast locations, I’m happy to help.” she added.
The Observer first reported on the issue in November and was inundated with e-mails from frustrated residents over their daily battles to get a good reception.
A large area across the Vale from Pershore to areas such as North and South Littleton is blighted by bad reception and it’s hoped the deal may solve many of the problems.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I am pleased to have secured a legally binding deal with the four mobile networks.
“Too many parts of the UK regularly suffer from poor mobile coverage leaving them unable to make calls or send texts.
“Government and businesses have been clear about the importance of mobile connectivity, and improved coverage, so this legally binding agreement will give the UK the world-class mobile phone coverage it needs and deserves.
“The £5billion investment from the mobile networks in the UK’s infrastructure will help drive this Government’s long-term economic plan.”
