North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan launches mobile signal bid

Helen Morgan, who represents North Shropshire, is renewing her fight for better network coverage as part of her new parliamentary role.

She has introduced legislation known as the 'Access to Telecommunications Networks Bill', which aims to tackle the issue of 'not-spots' in rural areas.

Under the proposed law, telecom companies, including BT and O2, would be required to allow customers to access different networks in areas where they are unable to get a signal.

This initiative, known as 'Rural Roaming', would particularly benefit farming and agricultural businesses that often suffer from poor network coverage.

Ms Morgan argues that by obliging telecom firms to work together, many areas currently without coverage in North Shropshire, and across the UK, would become live, with minimal cost to the provider.

Despite official data indicating otherwise, many parts of Shropshire continue to struggle with inadequate signal.

In addition to her legislative efforts, Ms Morgan has taken up a new role as chair of the Digital Communities All-Party Parliamentary Group.

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The group, which is cross-party, has been established to support communities that require better connectivity and to scrutinise changes, such as the switch-off of copper wire landlines.

Ms Morgan, a Liberal Democrat, said: "Spotty mobile signal, bad broadband connections and concerns over copper wire landlines are all big issues in Shropshire.

"With a new Parliament and new Government, this is a good time to propose some of the changes we need to see.

"I'm renewing calls that I made last term for improvements to mobile signal by tabling our Rural Roaming Bill, which would sort out mobile signal not-spots in areas like Shropshire.

"I am really pleased to be taking on a new role that will help me champion the concerns that so many people have with connectivity in rural areas like North Shropshire, and provide important national scrutiny to changes like those proposed to copper wire landlines.

"As ever, if anyone in North Shropshire has an issue to raise with connectivity or wishes to share their views and experiences, do get in touch.

"I’m keen to hear from as many people as possible."