McArthur tackles mobile providers over signal outages in the isles
Mr McArthur has made representations to O2 and Vodafone about problems with their services in Westray due to a mast fault. Meanwhile he has also been in contact with EE about consistently poor coverage reported by constituents in Sanday and other parts of the county.
Orkney's MSP is seeking a meeting with senior representatives of the mobile providers to find solutions to the immediate problems while also looking at how resilience can be improved in the wider network. He is encouraging constituents affected by consistently poor mobile coverage to make complaints to operators and to share examples of sustained difficulties with his office.
Commenting, Mr McArthur said:
"Investment over recent years has seen mobile coverage extend across Orkney, although gaps still exist. The reliability of the coverage, however, continues to create problems, both for those trying to make calls and others using the 4G signal to support a broadband service.
"Recent weeks have seen a number of problems emerge for residents across a number of islands. I have been contacted by constituents in Sanday who have provided evidence of the deterioration of mobile signal provided by EE over many months. Meanwhile a mast fault in Westray appears to have caused a full outage for those who rely on O2 and Vodafone services.
"Everyone accepts that faults can occur, but the time taken to get things sorted has been excessive. Were such faults occurring in the central belt, it is inconceivable that customers would be asked to wait weeks or even months for a fix to be made to what is an essential service.
"I am in regular contact with the mobile providers about resolving the immediate issues but will be looking to meet with senior representatives shortly to discuss ways in which greater resilience can be built into the network, including through storing spare parts closer to where they might be needed.
"In the meantime, I would encourage constituents to continue to log any issues with their mobile provider and for any sustained issues to be shared with my office directly."