Consumer group urges Ofcom to ensure rural regions benefit from 4G services

The Communications Consumer Panel (CCP) has urged Ofcom to make sure that the forthcoming 4G mobile spectrum auctions are used to improve mobile coverage in current 'not-spots'.

The independent body argued that mobile operators should be forced to provide coverage in remote regions so that the entire population benefits from the technology.

Citizens in remote regions should also be able to roam across networks at no extra charge to provide the best possible chance of getting a connection.

CCP chairman Bob Warner warned that if Ofcom does not address the problem now it may not get a better chance to see that the whole of the UK is connected.

"This is a critical moment, and we have a unique opportunity to resolve the persistent problem of inadequate mobile coverage," he said.

"Most places that were mobile coverage not-spots 10 years ago are still not-spots today, and the spectrum auction presents perhaps the only chance we have in the next decade to improve coverage for rural communities."

Warner added that the market cannot be relied on to deliver 4G services to all citizens, as was the case with 2G and 3G, and that cash from the auction should be used to cover the cost of rolling out infrastructure equipment in rural regions.

"Effective mobile communication is essential for the growth of rural communities and businesses, and we now need an intervention to improve rural services," he said.

"The potential significant windfall to the treasury from the spectrum auction presents us with the opportunity to do something about it."

4G technology is heralded as being able to deliver vastly improved coverage and data rates by using spectrum previously put aside for television signals. Networks are expected to go live by 2014.

Ofcom has also touted the use of FM radio spectrum as a potential coverage method for remote regions.

BT and Everything Everywhere are using 4G spectrum in Cornwall to test the technology with 200 local residents.