Less talk more action on mobile coverage

sir – In too many parts of the country, mobile “not spots” (report, August 27) are a persistent and frustrating part of daily life.

There are many reasons for patchy coverage, from building and vehicle design to the number and location of masts and cells and the topography of built and natural landscapes.

The British Chambers of Commerce launched its No More Not Spots campaign last year to highlight the issue and encourage central government, the telecoms industry and council planners to work together to improve coverage for all.

The Government’s proposals to simplify planning rules to improve rural coverage are a step in the right direction, but they must swiftly turn to action if they are to alleviate the barriers to connectivity and productivity in our business communities.

If we are to build an economy for the future, we must first get the basics right. Hannah Essex

Co-executive Director at the British Chambers of Commerce London SW1

sir – The main reason we have appalling coverage is that operators can build masts next to existing ones.

There is a village in Hampshire with very poor coverage. One company’s mast was placed about three miles away. Later, another company was allowed to build a mast next to the first. Astonishingly, a year later, a third company got permission to build. The village still has poor reception.

We would soon have universal coverage if companies were not allowed to place masts in places where 50 per cent of the customers they serve already have strong reception. Robert Horne

Southampton