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Are mobile ‘NotSpots’ destroying your productivity?

Written by Paula Devine | 25 Jul 2018

Connectivity is a basic business requirement today, and erratic mobile coverage can be a significant hindrance for businesses on the ability to perform.

Offices and other facilities - particularly, but not exclusively, those in rural areas - sometimes struggle to achieve consistent and reliable network coverage.

Modern businesses rely on online connectivity not just to function but to attract customers. For example, poor coverage and connections could be responsible for missed business opportunities when customers can’t get through via phone and email. But that doesn’t end with office and factories environments. When we consider cafes, hotels, conference rooms and other workspaces, there’s a high chance that their customers are far less likely to return if they suffer from poor network connections.

People are reliant on the internet more than ever before. It’s a doorway to how we communicate, buy and sell, search, and do business.

So why is it that, in 2018, so many businesses are still frustrated by so-called #notspots?

Chamber action

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is determined to represent the voice of members affected and is backing the #ShareYourNotSpots campaign in a bid to highlight ‘not spots’ around the UK.

A 2017 survey by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) found that 70% of UK firms experience ‘not spots’ or ‘partial not spots’ - the term used to describe little or no mobile coverage from any operator.

Patchy coverage can be attributed to a number of reasons, from building and vehicle design to the number and location of masts and cells. The BCC has introduced a campaign to enable businesses to tackle the ongoing issue with the aim of mobilising the business community to identify gaps in access to basic mobile services.

NotSpots also exist in dense commercial areas and their impact can go on to prevent people from relocating, working from home, or even taking a job role. In addition, almost a quarter of UK office workers would consider leaving their job due to poor mobile signal. This will undoubtedly start to hurt the economy since it presents such an obstacle to business productivity and development.

Are #NotSpots something your business suffers?

What to do if you’re suffering from poor network coverage

The #ShareYourNotSpots campaign was introduced as a way of encouraging and mobilising the business community to identify gaps in access to basic mobile services. Chambers of Commerce across the country can then work constructively with the governments and industry to resolve the issues locally within their respective counties.

On a broader level, business owners can share their problems on Twitter using the hashtag #ShareYourNotSpots and join in the conversation which dictates collective movements to address the issue.

Justin Richardson, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said poor coverage significantly impacts on local, daily operations.

“I’m astounded at some of the data I’ve seen. So many local towns and businesses have to deal with weak coverage, affecting communication and productivity.

“With this in mind, I’d like to draw your attention to our current campaign regarding poor mobile phone coverage in a number of areas in Bedfordshire. If you live or work in a mobile “not spot” please take the time to share the details at http://tiny.cc/shareyournotspots, as I’m keen to gather more evidence.“

Justin has recently started dialogues with local telecom providers as well as local MPs, and, along with the rest of the team at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, hopes that this proactive and collaborative approach will help us continue to tackle obstacles and achieve more together.

Do get in touch to voice your frustrations or start using the hashtag #ShareYourNotSpots to continue the conversation.

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Topics: Uncategorized

Paula Devine

Written by Paula Devine

Paula is Head of Membership and Global Services at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

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