Locals without mobile signal hit back at 'nonsense' UK Government claims

The UK Government’s claims that a 4G mobile signal is available outdoors across Lerwick have been described as “complete nonsense.”

Lerwick North and Bressay councillor Gary Robinson shared this view and disputed the government’s suggestion that a 4G signal was fine in the town’s outdoors.

The letter – sent to Lerwick Community Council – did concede that, according to a coverage checker from regulator Ofcom, 4G signal indoors in parts of the town could be patchy.

This was after the community council raised concerns last year over the lack of mobile signals in certain parts of the town, such as Bruce Crescent.

The community council raised the issue with the government, and a representative from the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology responded.

They said: “Using a local postcode, Ofcom’s coverage checker suggests that 4G outdoor coverage is available from all four mobile operators across the town which is thanks in part to the industry-led element of the Shared Rural Network which has now completed.

“However, as you make clear in your correspondence, the picture for 4G indoor coverage is more stark, with provision of 4G indoor coverage from VMO2 appearing to be a mix of “likely” or “limited” across the town, while for both Three and Vodafone, it appears to be largely “limited”.

“Unfortunately, 4G indoor coverage from EE appears to be largely unavailable across the town.

“It is the government’s view that too often there are instances where the data published by Ofcom does not match consumers’ experience of using mobile networks.

“The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant MP, is intent on ensuring Ofcom takes all necessary steps to improve the accuracy of its coverage data.”

They added that “while people often find that outdoor mobile coverage is available, this is not always the case with indoor coverage”.

“As a practical measure, we recommend that residents and businesses take steps to boost indoor coverage in their premises.” https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-and-speeds/improving-indoor-coverage

However, at a community council meeting on Monday, Robinson disputed the claims about mobile signal outdoors in Lerwick and said the letter was “wrong.”

He said when going from the NorthLink ferry terminal, past the Co-op and out to the Clickimin, “you’re not even getting a mobile signal outside”.

Robinson also said Victoria Pier in the town centre was also lacking service.

The councillor also suggested one solution – install a fibre optic cable across to Bressay and put some masts on the island.

“I’ve been trying to encourage them to do that, but no luck so far,” Robinson said.

Meanwhile, chairman Jim Anderson said the government’s response was “not a very good response at all.” The community council is now set to write back.