Poor mobile signal leaves Cotswolds villages struggling to stay connected, residents say
Mobile phone coverage in parts of the Cotswolds is so poor that some residents say they can only make calls using wifi at home.
People living in villages including Rendcomb, Colesbourne and North Cerney near Cirencester report widespread blackspots where all major networks fail, leaving gaps in coverage across roads and rural areas.
Locals say there is a stretch between villages where no signal is available on any network, raising concerns about safety if vehicles break down and people are unable to call for help.
One resident described coverage as “appalling”, saying mobile signals only work in small patches and that some homes have no usable reception without wifi calling.
The issue has been raised by councillors at Gloucestershire County Council, who have called for stronger action to improve rural connectivity.
Industry groups say while investment is increasing and coverage is improving overall, planning restrictions are holding back the rollout of new mobile masts in rural areas.