People can log in to check their mobile connectivity
The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) has today (Thursday 10 July) submitted a comprehensive report to MPs in the region, revealing significant discrepancies between its independent rural mobile connectivity survey and Ofcom’s official coverage statistics.
The RSPAWIR has recently completed the UK’s largest independent study of real-world mobile connectivity covering Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford & Wrekin, Warwickshire and Worcestershire which, added to a similar exercise conducted by partners at Growing Mid Wales, gives a complete picture of mobile connectivity across the entire River Severn Catchment.
Expert surveyors Streetwave were appointed to carry out the study of on-street connectivity and installed monitoring equipment on waste wagons to gather the most comprehensive information possible.
The RSPAWIR report paints a starkly different picture of mobile network availability and reliability across the region to that presented by Ofcom. While Ofcom data suggests near-universal 4G coverage, RSPAWIR’s findings highlight persistent “not-spots” and unreliable service in many rural and remote areas as well as some urban pockets.
Across the region, more than 15% of postcodes fail to receive an adequate signal to enable a voice call. In some council areas, this figure rises to almost 30%.
Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Digital Community, has welcomed the report and called for urgent action:-
“This report confirms what rural communities have been saying for years — that the official figures don’t reflect the reality on the ground.
“It’s time Ofcom stopped relying on optimistic modelling and force investment in infrastructure for the communities that have been left behind. Reliable mobile connectivity is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for community safety, education, and economic opportunity.”
The RSPAWIR report includes detailed regional breakdowns and technical analysis which can be compared with data from the MNOs on their coverage commitments.
Julia Buckley, for Shrewsbury and chair of the RSP MP caucus, added:-
“This data shows where the gaps in connectivity are, and we’re ready to meet with the MNOs to see what can be done to close them so at our communities can be properly connected. It also shows the power of local collaboration. The RSP covers a vast geography and by working together we become more than the sum of our parts.”
Rob Wilson Shropshire Council Cabinet member for economic growth, added:-
“Digital connectivity is vital for all our communities, this report has highlighted some significant inequalities in mobile connectivity across our region and has provided important insight into where attention needs to be paid.
“The survey has been supported by more than 30 unitary and district councils across the region as well as their respective waste and recycling contractors. I would like to thank all of those who have worked together to bring this critical issue to the fore.”
Anyone wishing to check the results for their areas can do so at https://app.streetwave.co/coverage-checker/60
Notes: The RSPAWIR, managed by Shropshire Council, has been awarded £4m of funding from the Department of Science, Industry and Technology, to support the growth of wireless innovation and technology in some of its key economic sectors.
The Partnership comprises the eight English and Welsh councils that cover the River Severn catchment area including Shropshire Council, and is one of 10 UK Innovation Regions to gain funding.
The RSPAWIR focuses on accelerating the adoption of advanced wireless enabled technologies across three sectors which have particularly strong roots in the River Severn catchment area:-
Water management
Agri-tech
Public sector
