Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Mobile Phone Reception: Bridgwater

Wednesday 16 October 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Mobile phone reception in Bridgwater is reported to be poor despite 97% coverage statistics.
  • The Government plans to continue funding the shared rural network to improve mobile coverage.
  • Concerns raised about the switch-off of PSTN and its impact on emergency 999 services access for vulnerable individuals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ashley Fox Con Bridgwater
Environment
Context

The question arises due to the concern over poor mobile signal coverage in the Bridgwater constituency, affecting both urban and rural areas. Constituents are facing issues with non-existent signals from major providers like O2, Vodafone, and EE.

Question

I am concerned about the current mobile phone reception in my constituency of Bridgwater. Despite statistics suggesting 97% coverage, many constituents face poor signal quality, particularly in rural areas such as Burnham-on-Sea where the O2 signal is non-existent, Pawlett with no Vodafone or EE signals, and Chedzoy lacking an EE signal.

Answer from Chris Bryant

The mobile signal seems functional here but is often poor in other parts of the country, which highlights its importance for people's daily lives, health, and business operations. The Government intends to continue funding the shared rural network to improve coverage.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Ashley Fox Con Bridgwater
Business & Trade Environment
Context

Following up on initial concerns, the question focuses on ensuring that the Government continues to fund the shared rural network, which is crucial for improving mobile coverage in Bridgwater's rural areas.

Question

Bridgwater has a mix of urban and rural areas where many constituents complain about non-existent signals from providers such as O2, Vodafone, and EE. Can you confirm that the Government intends to continue funding the shared rural network for better mobile coverage?

Answer from Chris Bryant

Yes, we will continue to fund the shared rural network as it is essential for people's lives and businesses. The signal quality must be improved.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Julie Minns Lab Carlisle
Context

The question addresses the potential impact of switching off the public switched telephone network, which could leave constituents unable to reach emergency services through 999 calls in case of emergencies.

Question

Poor mobile coverage forces people to rely on fixed-line services. With the switch-off of the PSTN, will this leave constituents without access to emergency 999 services? I am concerned about the safety transition and reliance on telecare devices for vulnerable individuals.

Answer from Chris Bryant

My hon. Friend raises a valid point about the need for a safe transition to new technology, ensuring vulnerable individuals who rely on telecare devices are not left without emergency access.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment regarding funding or timeline for the transition and ensuring 999 service availability was not provided.

How: We Need To Ensure There Is A Safe Transition

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email