Bolsover MP calls for major mobile phone network improvements in her constituency
Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet is calling for urgent action to improve 5G mobile phone coverage across her constituency after a residents’ survey revealed widespread problems with poor signal.
Nearly 80 per cent of respondents rated their mobile coverage while out and about as either ‘poor’ or ‘fair’, while more than 60 per cent experience poor or no mobile signal in their homes.
While just two per cent of people of those surveyed reported receiving excellent phone signal outdoors.
The findings also show how frequently constituents are affected, with 87 per cent encountering signal issues weekly, and 55 per cent suffering problems every single day.
Responses came from customers of all the major mobile phone networks, indicating a widespread mobile infrastructure problem affecting communities across the whole of the Bolsover constituency.
Natalie said: “Anybody who uses a mobile phone in this area will be used to their call dropping out halfway through a conversation or in having difficulty in loading up a website or their social media feed without Wi-Fi.
“I have been told by providers that we have good coverage here, but that just does not match up with our day-to-day experiences.
“This survey demonstrates the extent of the problem and provides us with evidence to be able to challenge the mobile phone companies and demand improvements to their networks.
“Reliable mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury. People depend on it to stay in touch with loved ones, access essential services and run their businesses. Communities across Bolsover deserve better."
Respondents highlighted a high number of mobile signal blackspots, including Bolsover town centre, South Normanton, Tibshelf, Morton, Newton, Scarcliffe, Shirebrook, Creswell and Whitwell.
More than 300 constituents completed Natalie’s survey, also describing the impact of poor mobile signal on their everyday lives.
Some also expressed concerns about being able to contact elderly relatives or their children when they need to, while others encounter problems with using smartphone apps to monitor health conditions such as diabetes.
Natalie now plans to meet with mobile phone providers, to ask them directly to deliver the infrastructure improvements needed for reliable coverage across Bolsover.