Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has called on the Scottish Government to demand more action to address mobile phone reception not spots.
Mobile coverage across the UK should get better over the next two years as the government has “secured a binding agreement” with the four national networks to reduce the number of ‘not-spots’ - areas with little or no coverage - by 2017.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
"Too many communities in Scotland regularly suffer from poor mobile coverage leaving them unable to make calls or send texts. This is a serious issue for individuals and business especially those of us who live in rural areas.
“I have had many complaints from constituents across Mid Scotland & Fife regarding poor mobile phone reception in many parts of Perthshire and Stirlingshire.
“I have raised concerns with mobile phone companies and called on both the SNP Scotland’s Government and UK Westminster to engage with the operators and look at new alternative technologies to address performance issues now.
“I welcome the news that mobile coverage across the UK will be addressed after UK Conservative Ministers secured a binding agreement with the four national networks to reduce the number of ‘not-spots’ - areas with little or no coverage - by 2017.
“Investing in mobile infrastructure will provide hundreds of millions of pounds of economic benefits as well as resulting in positive social impacts, such as increased safety and security in terms of emergency response.
"Government and businesses have been clear about the importance of mobile connectivity, and improved coverage, so this legally binding agreement will give the UK the world-class mobile phone coverage it needs and deserves."