UK mobile phone operators could be forced to spread the power and coverage of their networks within rural areas where signals are found to be weak or none existent.
Roaming Service
These moves are now being considered by ministers who are concerned by the lack of network coverage available in UK rural areas. The idea would be to plug the black-spot gaps created by the lack of mobile signals under a new scheme named ‘national roaming’.
The new Culture Secretary Sajid Javid wants mobile phone companies to introduce the ‘national roaming’ scheme nation-wide which would enable consumers to switch to different mobile networks if their current coverage fails to perform in rural areas.
The Department of Culture , Media and Sport, responsible for telecommunications, claim that the government is currently investing £150 Million in this area to eradicate sections of the UK with little or no coverage.
Bad Reception
Nevertheless, mobile phone companies say that this forced move would halt their own incentive to build and position more masts in known rural black-spot areas.
The reason for this halt would be due to lack of potential investment from outside sources, as claimed by a mobile phone industry spokesperson, meaning that money may have to be recouped from the customer through higher charges.
Future Expansion
Mobile operators such as Three insist that it is continually working towards widening its coverage stating that it has invested heavily in coverage expansion with up to 98% of the population serviced.
Three mobile also support the principle of expanding coverage and are in ongoing discussions with the UK government on the long-term plan.
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