Posted: 06th Oct, 2009 By: MarkJ
New research from the UK
Communications Consumer Panel (CCP) has revealed that around a third of consumers and small businesses regularly experience problems with their mobile coverage (voice, txt and data services). CCP has now called on Ofcom to work with mobile network operators to improve coverage and the information available to consumers.
The researcher found that over half (56%) of consumers and 91% of small business respondents have difficulty with mobile coverage – a third of all those surveyed said this was a regular experience. Coverage problems include ‘
not spots’ where there is no coverage at all, poor quality or intermittent coverage, delayed text messages and dropped calls.
The Panel will also write to network operators with a view to seeking a new ‘
try before you buy’ get out-clause in mobile contracts, which would allow new customers an easy exit if their selected network operator failed to deliver upon its promises.
Communications Consumer Panel Chair, Anna Bradley, said:
“While all the focus is on rolling out new services like Mobile Broadband, our research reveals that large numbers of consumers and small businesses are still having problems making even basic voice calls. This kind of basic coverage is hugely important to consumers and essential for small businesses to thrive.”
Unfortunately most of the country's five main mobile operators make a habit out of promising strong coverage through the use of big percentage figures, which often do not reflect the true reality of service quality. This is of course a factor for all cellular mobile networks and services.
However providing accurate information about the level of coverage an individual consumer will receive is by no means an exact science. The quality of coverage can depend on a number of factors: distance from your provider’s transmitter(s); whether you are using your phone inside or outside; the local landscape; and the weather. But there is still scope for improvement.