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Telecom operator EE is seeking a temporary solution to restore a widespread loss of mobile signal on Barra.

 

EE said the problem - which has existed for months - is due to corrosion to equipment at the mast which requires replacement parts.

 

Equipment at the linked South Uist mast which sends microwave signal to Barra also requires new parts.

 

In a letter to MP Angus Macneil the company said: "The work we will have to undertake on Barra and Uist involves engineers on both islands and special access arrangements with the site providers.

EE looks at temporary fix for Barra mobile signal breakdown

 

6 June 2016  

"We have asked that all works are expedited but, even so, the process is likely to take some time.

 

"As such, we are therefore urgently looking to install a temporary solution for the area and I will continue to update you on progress with that temporary measure."

 

EE said it is doing "everything we can to get replacement coverage as a priority."

 

The firm said its customer service team is "fully briefed" on the Barra issues and will work with island businesses and individuals on their accounts.

 

MP Angus MacNeil, who has continued to press the operator to sort the problems said: “EE customers have been left high and dry and it is simply not good enough.

 

“I am again calling on EE to start the 4G rollout in the islands now. This is possible as is evident in the Faroe Islands, where Føroya Telecom has already completed a 3G roll-out of 50 masts, including full signal in their two undersea tunnels.

 

By July, some 120 masts and 4G are due to installed across the entire Faroe Islands.

 

The MP said: “EE must compensate customers for this poor service and also allow anyone wishing to end their contract, to do so without any financial penalties being imposed.

 

“I understand that the customer service team at EE have been fully briefed on this situation and any customer wishing to contact them can do so by calling 0800 079 0232.

 

“I will maintain pressure on EE to get the signal restored.”