Mobile network operators are facing criticism for failing to keep customers connected during Storm Éowyn, particularly in rural communities. Residents in Northumberland and Cumbria reported widespread mobile phone signal and data outages, hindering communication and access to vital information. They argue that promises of improved resilience after previous storms like Arwen have not been met.
Mobile network operators should do more to keep customers connected during storms, rural communities say.
Mobile UK, which speaks for the industry, said: "The recent storms caused significant damage but we understand how critical mobile service is and we are committed to keeping customers connected and informed."Ian Glendinning lives about 10 miles north-west of Rothbury in the Northumberland National Park and lost power at 11:00 GMT on 24 January for almost three days.
He said it had been one of many problems during Éowyn, "not just here in Egremont but I think across the whole of Cumbria, to be honest".Under the old landline system - the Public Switched Telephone Network - home phones still function in a power cut because the exchange has back-up power which feeds to the phone through the line itself."The copper thing is the big thing, at least landlines provided a back-up in emergencies but they're being removed," he said.
News MOBILE NETWORK OPERATORS STORM EOWYN RURAL COMMUNITIES COMMUNICATION OUTAGES RESILIENCE
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