Poor phone signal? Ofcom want to hear from you

Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the communications industries has told the SDLP they are aware of ongoing problems which are causing serious difficulties for mobile phone users across the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area
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Following complaints by SDLP Councillors Roisin Loftus and Margaret Anne McKillop the party’s MLA for East Derry, John Dallat, met the Ofcom Chief Executive in Stormont where issues particularly affecting rural areas were addressed.

The two councillors have now issued a statement asking members of the public across the area to contact them if they are experiencing problems with poor signals.

In a statement they said: “Mobile phones are now an essential part of everyday life, not only for private residents but also for business people who are constantly on the move.

“Ofcom are keen to hear from people who have experienced difficulties particularly if the quality of the signal has deteriorated in recent times.

“We know that following mergers of rival companies there has been work to rationalise the number of mobile phone masts and there has been mistakes made in calculating signal strengths. There is also upgrading being done to accommodate 4G services.

“We want to hear from anyone who is experiencing signal difficulties so that we can pass on the information to Ofcom who have promised to bring these to the attention of the relevant providers in the expectation that the problems can be addressed.

“Mobile phones are now an essential part of everyday life and we are constantly being told that potential inward investors will not come to areas where there is poor transport and communications systems. We are also aware that local businesses also depend on good communications including phones and internet connections and regrettably large rural areas are still experiencing serious shortcomings which the Assembly must address.”