‘Not unreasonable’ to expect consistent mobile phone cover – Carmichael
ISLES MP Alistair Carmichael has called on telecommunications regulator Ofcom to investigate local discrepancies in mobile download speeds.
The vast differences in speeds emerged as part of a private survey carried out by a local resident.
Gulberwick man Mark Ockendon measured mobile network speeds at 20 different locations in and around Lerwick during April, and has now published results that go some way to show why people have been struggling with intermittent connections for a long time.
Network provider Virgin Media O2 provided by far the best service in Lerwick according to the figures, while competitors VodafoneThree and EE trailed far behind.
Both VodafoneThree and EE have confirmed they are investing how to upgrade their networks in Shetland and across the Highlands and islands region.
Please check out our map for details and see Monday’s story here.
Ofcom said it had published a mobile tool last summer to give customers a better insight into the quality of the mobile network at any chosen postcode.
But Carmichael said it was not good enough that these discrepancies were continuing to frustrate customers, especially after recent government investment in the shared rural networks – which enable mobile phone users to connect to the best network available regardless of provider.
“Mobile operators are licensed by Ofcom to provide signal on a UK-wide basis,” the Orkney and Shetland MP said.
“Even if it is not as comprehensive as we might like in the isles, in 2026 it is surely not unreasonable, at least, to expect them to cover our communities on a consistent and accurate basis.
“The government invested significantly in the shared rural network precisely so that mobile operators in places like the isles would share resource and provide a more consistent signal so it is hard to see why these discrepancies are appearing.
“Ofcom as the regulator needs to take a view on this matter. I shall be following up with them in correspondence.”
An Ofcom spokesperson said the regulator was committed to helping customers choose the best mobile network for them.
“Our Map Your Mobile tool, launched last summer, provides customers information on coverage and performance across networks.
“Consumers can enter their postcode and find out which mobile network is right for them.
The Map your Mobile page can be found here.
“We continue to welcome feedback on the tool as we further refine its predictions,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 said it is planning further 5G upgrades across the region.
With regards to Ockendon’s survey data, a company spokesperson added: “These results are a strong reflection of the investment we’ve made to improve mobile performance in Shetland and beyond.
“We know reliable connectivity matters to local residents, businesses and visitors, which is why we’re continuing to invest in boosting coverage and capacity across the Highlands and islands as part of our £700m mobile transformation plan.”
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