Why is London’s mobile phone reception getting worse?

Experts say capacity shortfalls during busy times, housing developments and planning regulations are partly to blame, with rules varying across London’s 33 councils – creating more challenges for network providers.

A spokesperson for London Councils, which represents all the local authorities in the capital, said: “The London Growth Plan and London Infrastructure Framework we developed jointly with the mayor highlight the importance of digital infrastructure and mobile connectivity.

“There is a range of factors behind the current connectivity problems, but boroughs take this issue seriously and are working with network providers and other partners to help resolve them.”

Mobile UK said that mobile operators had invested “billions of pounds to upgrade their networks across London” and were committed to working with the government and local councils to improve mobile phone service.

The organisation also said it recognised that the Draft London Plan, external acknowledged the challenge housing developments posed to mobile operators in London, but it wants urgent policy reform on planning and a “unified framework that treats digital infrastructure as a priority”.

A government spokesperson said: “Fast, reliable digital infrastructure is fundamental to a growing economy, keeping people connected wherever they live, work or commute. That’s why we are working with industry to deliver our ambition for higher-quality standalone 5G coverage across all populated areas of the UK by 2030.

“We recognise that demand on mobile networks is growing, particularly in busy urban areas, and are reviewing planning rules and working through our Mobile Market Review to support investment, improve network performance and make it quicker and easier to build the infrastructure consumers and businesses need.”

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