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Cumbrian MPs demand better rural mobile coverage from operators

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Cumbrian Labour MPs have pressed mobile network operators to improve phone coverage and provide backup power for masts during power cuts.

Cumbrian Labour MPs have renewed pressure on mobile network operators to improve phone coverage and strengthen network resilience in rural parts of the county. Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister joined fellow Cumbria Labour MPs Julie Minns, Markus Campbell-Savours and Michelle Scrogham in bringing together government officials and local organisations to discuss ongoing concerns over mobile connectivity. Representatives from Cumberland Council, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Connecting Cumbria, Ofcom and Electricity North West attended the meeting.

Improving connectivity has been a priority for the MPs over the past two years, particularly in rural areas where residents and businesses struggle with poor signal and unreliable service. Mobile phone coverage has long been a concern in parts of Cumbria, particularly in remote rural communities and within sections of the Lake District, where patchy signal can affect residents, businesses, visitors and emergency response operations.

The group raised concerns that mobile network operators were not doing enough to improve coverage, provide backup power for phone masts during electricity outages, or work closely with local agencies during emergencies. Mr MacAlister said: 'We've been hammering away at this for the last couple of years. We don't think network operators are doing enough to improve coverage in rural areas, provide back-up power for masts during power cuts, or engage with the Local Resilience Forum during emergencies to ensure we can get communications back online as quickly as possible.'

He said the meeting had been used to challenge operators and set out clear expectations for improvements. 'We've set some clear expectations for action in these areas ahead of our next meeting in a few months,' he added. The MPs said they would continue to press operators for improvements ahead of a further meeting later this year.

Cumbrian MPs demand better rural mobile coverage from operators
Image: News & Star

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How it is being reported

In this story: Josh MacAlister · Julie Minns · Markus Campbell-Savours · Michelle Scrogham · Cumbria · Lake District · Ofcom

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