This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39894267
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Firms 'hobbled' by poor mobile coverage | Firms 'hobbled' by poor mobile coverage |
(about 2 hours later) | |
More than 70% of firms face 'not spots' of patchy or no mobile internet coverage in their local area, a British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey says. | More than 70% of firms face 'not spots' of patchy or no mobile internet coverage in their local area, a British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey says. |
It found the problem was particularly bad in the countryside, where 90% of firms struggled, although 56% in cities also complained. | It found the problem was particularly bad in the countryside, where 90% of firms struggled, although 56% in cities also complained. |
The BCC, which surveyed more than 1,400 mainly small businesses, said the issue was "hobbling" productivity. | The BCC, which surveyed more than 1,400 mainly small businesses, said the issue was "hobbling" productivity. |
Ofcom says almost all UK premises must receive a 4G signal by the end of 2017. | |
According to the research, almost a third of all businesses said their mobile internet connection was generally unreliable, with the proportion rising to 54% in rural areas. | According to the research, almost a third of all businesses said their mobile internet connection was generally unreliable, with the proportion rising to 54% in rural areas. |
It also found many were not accessing the highest connection speeds, with just 42% reporting being able to access a 4G connection. | It also found many were not accessing the highest connection speeds, with just 42% reporting being able to access a 4G connection. |
Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the BCC, said: "Time and again, I hear from frustrated businesspeople who can't use their mobiles or access the internet when they need to. | Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the BCC, said: "Time and again, I hear from frustrated businesspeople who can't use their mobiles or access the internet when they need to. |
"These are basic requirements for companies to work on the move, trade online, and connect with customers and suppliers." | "These are basic requirements for companies to work on the move, trade online, and connect with customers and suppliers." |
Taller masts | |
He said that while rural businesses were particularly affected, "not-spots" were prevalent across the UK, including parts of the City of London. | |
The BCC called for planning restrictions to be relaxed, to allow for taller mobile phone masts to be built to improve coverage. | |
It also said regulator Ofcom needed to do more to hold providers to the promises they made about coverage in advertising. | It also said regulator Ofcom needed to do more to hold providers to the promises they made about coverage in advertising. |
A spokesperson for Ofcom said: "We agree that mobile coverage must improve and understand the importance of having reliable mobile broadband, wherever people live and work." | |
They added: "Ofcom rules mean that virtually all UK premises must receive a 4G signal by the end of this year. | |
"We're also making available valuable new airwaves to boost mobile broadband, and have challenged mobile operators to explore how to reach all remote areas and transport lines." |
Previous version
1
Next version