UK government “failing on rural mobile and broadband coverage” 5/7/14
The Scottish National Party has criticised the UK Government’s Department of Culture Media and Sport for failing rural areas on adequate mobile phone and broadband coverage.
Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil raised the issue in the House of Commons, arguing the UK government is ignorant of the situation, and failing to grasp the opportunities 4G coverage could bring to Island and rural communities and their local economies.
Angus MacNeil said: “Rural areas have been let down badly by a lack of adequate mobile and broadband coverage.
“The Department of Culture Media and Sport act as if everything is rosy, but we are years behind other countries and when it comes to the Highlands of Scotland they appear both clueless and disinterested.”
The MP added: “The advent of 4G gives the UK Government an opportunity to take a serious look at how these high data speeds of 4G can complement further broadband rollout as well as ensuring a more comprehensive roll out on the mobile network by looking at mast sharing, rents on mast sites and even possible roaming.
“Minister Ed Vaizey seemed unable to grasp the opportunities proper planning for 4G could give or even appreciate current failures and problems. He descended to politicking rather than taking the situation in our rural communities seriously.”