Lerwick mobile signal claims described as ‘complete nonsense’

A SUGGESTION from the UK Government that 4G mobile signal is available outdoors across Lerwick on all network operators has been described as “complete nonsense”.

That was the view of Lerwick North and Bressay councillor Gary Robinson, who disputed suggestions from the government that 4G signal was fine in the town in the 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.

It comes after concern was raised via the community council last year over the lack of mobile signal in certain parts of the town, such as Bruce Crescent.

The community council raised the issue with the government, with a representative from the department for science, innovation and technology responding.

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.”

But at a community council meeting on Monday, Robinson disputed the claims about mobile signal outdoors in Lerwick and said in his view 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 also appeared to be lacking coverage.

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 it was “not a very good response at all” from the government – with the community council now set to write back.

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