Many lucky people across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire will wake up on Christmas morning with a shiny new phone under the tree and Murdo is calling for generous gift givers to check out the Ofcom signal checker to see what network offers the best coverage before purchasing.
The Ofcom interactive map shows the predicted level of coverage both in doors and outside. It shows coverage for voice calls, 3G and 4G data connections.
Later this year, Ofcom will also be launching a mobile ‘app’ for smartphones and tablets, which will allow people to test their Wi-Fi connection. Ofcom estimates that a fifth of UK home broadband users have a service that could be working better. The new app will suggest simple trouble-shooting tips to help address these issues.
The RAC recently revealed that just under 4,600 miles of the UK's roads lack any 2G coverage, with almost 29,000 more enjoying only partial cover, meaning only drivers who are with certain networks can get a signal to call for help.
Coverage across Mid-Scotland and Fife varies hugely. Large swathes of Stirlingshire and Highland Perthshire have virtually no reception on any network compared to areas in Fife which are relatively well served.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“I would urge constituents to check out this latest service from Ofcom which highlights the good, the bad and the downright terrible coverage offered by different mobile networks across the region.
“Before buying an expensive new phone I would encourage constituents to check their website to see if a new phone’s features can even be used in your area.
“I was astonished to see that there are substantial parts of Highland Perthshire, Kinross and Stirlingshire where simple voice calls cannot even be made. This is not just bad for everyday living but could be potentially disastrous if you need to make an emergency call.
“This evidence highlights the still cavernous divide between rural and urban areas when it comes to digital infrastructure, a divide that must be bridged if we are to improve living standards and see rural areas compete with larger towns for jobs and investment.”