Mobile Signal – Can You Hear Me
HEAR ME NOW – MP CALLS FOR REVIEW AS MOBILE BLACKSPOTS LEAVE LOCALS CUT OFF
Local MP Alex Mayer has called on the Government to launch as urgent review into the quality of mobile phone coverage.
She says substandard mobile signal is leaving people across Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard and villages struggling to stay connected.
Fresh Ofcom figures reveal that not a single home in the constituency has “very high confidence” 5G coverage from all four major networks, compared with 17% nationally.
The MP is urging the Government to set clear national standards for indoor 4G and 5G connections as well as to make coverage information easier for people to understand.
She said: “The default right now is to report how good mobile signal is outside, whereas people expect to be able to make a call without hanging out of the window!”
Ms Mayer, who has been in close contact with mobile operators, said that while companies have shared welcome investment plans, she worries too much emphasis is still placed on extending coverage maps rather than improving the experience people actually get. She said: “Good mobile signal isn’t a luxury – people rely on it for work and everyday life. When official maps show perfect coverage but residents tell me the opposite, something isn’t right. Other countries are racing ahead. Germany already has high-quality 5G along major routes and strong national coverage. With the right focus, we can match that ambition.”
One woman from Bidwell West told Ms Mayer how she broke down in the dark while travelling alone. She described her fear as she discovered she had no signal and was forced to walk to find help. The MP added, “I really think we can do better than this in 2025”.
Residents are encouraged to share their experiences at www.alexmayer.co.uk/mobilesurvey
