Consumer protection group Ofcom has launched a new mobile coverage checker service which provides consumers and businesses with a tool to check the quality of their mobile phone coverage.
Using data supplied by the mobile network operators you are able to zoom in to a specific location on a UK map, or manually enter a place name, to receive data on coverage for each mobile network.
Ofcom are enforcing the UK Government’s legally binding agreement with mobile operators to invest £5bn to improve mobile infrastructure by 2017 and to guarantee voice and text coverage from each operator across 90% of the UK geographic area by 2017.
The useful application also features a feedback section where users can help refine the tool as part of Ofcoms work to improve mobile coverage.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Poor mobile phone reception is an issue that constituents bring up with me time and time again and this new tool from Ofcom will be particularly useful in helping highlight the areas where mobile phone coverage is almost non-existent.
“Residents in parts of Perth and Kinross, Fife and Stirling will be able to see exactly what type of coverage they can get from the main network providers. There is a real difference in some parts of Mid-Scotland and Fife, so I would urge people to take a look at it to see if they could be getting a better deal with another provider.
“The UK Government continues to take action on mobile signal and has signed a new deal with providers which will require them to provide coverage for 90% of the UK by 2017. This should see real improvements in signal for rural parts of Perthshire, Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.”