Mobile phone coverage in several Cotswold villages, including Rendcomb, Colesbourne, and North Cerney near Cirencester, is so poor that residents can only make mobile calls when connected to their home WiFi. Locals describe the situation as “appalling,” highlighting significant communication challenges.
Richard Norton, a Rendcomb resident, explained that there is a complete mobile signal black spot between Colesbourne and Rendcomb. He emphasized the danger of this zone by noting that if a vehicle breaks down there, callers cannot use their phones to summon help. Norton pointed out that mobile networks like Vodafone, EE, and O2 only work sporadically or not at all in these areas.
“The reality here is that mobile phone coverage is appalling,” Norton said. “If you drive from Colesbourne to Rendcomb, you lose signal on every network for about a mile to a mile and a half. Even in Rendcomb village itself, most networks struggle to provide coverage.”
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This issue was raised at a recent Gloucestershire County Council meeting by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, who urged for improved mobile connectivity, stressing its importance for both residents and local businesses. He said rural Gloucestershire, particularly the North Cotswolds, still contains significant black spots where people struggle to get any mobile signal at all.
Councillor Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business and economic development, acknowledged the concern and pledged persistent advocacy, though he noted budget constraints limit direct council interventions.
BT, the UK’s leading network investor, said it has expanded mobile network coverage by over 10,000 square kilometers since 2020, benefiting nearly 2,000 rural communities. Their network now covers more than 96% of Gloucestershire’s landmass. However, they admit some remote areas, including parts of the Cotswolds, have yet to see these improvements. BT highlights that current planning regulations are a significant barrier to building new mobile masts needed to enhance coverage, particularly in rural regions.
Mobile UK, representing the country’s three main mobile operators, echoed these challenges. A spokesperson stressed that while the industry continues to invest heavily in expanding coverage and technology, outdated regulatory hurdles delay the rollout of essential infrastructure. They called on local governments and MPs to support reforms in mobile market regulations and planning rules to accelerate investment and deliver the high-quality networks residents expect.