Shropshire Star

Star Comment: Forget the talking, it's time to act

For months Salopians have been complaining about their lousy mobile phone service and at last it seems progress is being made towards a better deal.

Published

The news that the Government is on the case is a vindication of the Shropshire Star's campaign and excellent tidings for all those who are having to make do with a non-existent or patchy signal.

  • See also: Get Us Connected campaign: Pledge over phone signal is welcomed

It is a recognition that the issue is not just a commercial matter to be sorted out by private phone companies, but an issue of general public interest. A tipping point has been passed. It could have been argued at one stage that mobile phones are non-essentials, a sort of luxury item which people could do without, and therefore if the service goes wrong it is of no great importance.

However, it is characteristic of modern technological Britain that developments which do not seem strictly necessary when they first come on the scene quickly become central to our lives.

Broadband internet is an example, email another. Yes, you can live without them and some people happily do, but if you are in business or seeking to exploit the opportunities of modern technology they are a must-have.

Mobile phones have moved into the must-have category for a substantial proportion of the population. Increasing numbers are reasoning that there is no point in having a traditional landline if they have a mobile phone. The mobile is then elevated to their main – only – phone.

While things have moved forward in our campaign, there are pitfalls and obstacles which could still undermine efforts to get lasting improvements. The Government has failed to get the big four mobile phone providers to work together to come up with a voluntary solution.

Now it is embarking on a process of consultation. That takes time and from the feedback we have had there is no need for any consultation. The public has made its view loud and clear.

With an election looming, time is an enemy. Whatever the result of next year's election, there will be some dislocation of current plans. In the circumstances, moves to improve phone reception could be left in the long grass.

So if Shropshire is to get results, we need to see them soon. The old catchphrase went: It's Good To Talk. We've had enough talking – let's have some action.

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