Picture Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Mobile coverage in the UK is far from seamless, especially when users travel across the country, but Westminster has announced plans to combat these so-called ‘not-spots’.

The UK government revealed that poor mobile coverage causes regular frustration to approximately one fifth of the UK. You can forget data connectivity, this inadequate reception leaves users without the ability to perform basic tasks such as sending texts and making calls.

One of the suggested remedies is national roaming, as reported on Connected CarTech’s sister site TelecomsTech. The idea is to allow phones to hop between networks if their primary service provider has insufficient coverage in the area.

Vehicle benefit

For the connected car industry this would be a great foundation and would allow any technology that requires a data connection to operate without issue, whether it is in Dartmoor or the Outer Hebrides.

Additionally, the government has put forward ideas to share infrastructure, where mobile networks can put transmitters on each other’s masts, and reform mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).

Currently the likes of Tesco, Talk Talk, Sainsbury’s and Virgin agree deals with a single network when it would be more beneficial to their consumer base if all four providers could be used.

“World-class” mobile coverage

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid has resolved to put the country’s mobile connectivity woes to bed once and for all. He has revealed that consultations are taking place between the government and the four major networks about the proposals.

“I’m determined to ensure the UK has world-class mobile phone coverage as investment in infrastructure will help drive this Government’s long-term economic plan,” he said. “We’ve been talking to the mobile companies about the problem and they are working with us to find a solution.”

One final option in the consultation document would see the network operators agreeing to a coverage obligation. It would require them to cover a certain percentage of the UK, but the government has said it is happy to leave this open to the networks for the best route to achieve this outcome.

The culture secretary expects the consultation to close in late November.