Damian has contacted the Chief Executive of the Vodafone Group, Vittorio Colao, to ask that measures be taken to try to resolve the ongoing signal issues that are being experienced by Vodafone mobile customers in Bordon.
Damian received a reply from Vodafone, explaining that the problem was caused by trees blocking the mobile mast’s ‘line of sight’ – which therefore prevents radio waves from being able to reach the mast, resulting in loss of signal for customers.
In order to permanently resolve the issue, Vodafone is working on connecting the Bordon mast into the network via a cable rather than relying on radio waves travelling along an uninterrupted line of sight.
Vodafone is also offering to reimburse contract customers with their line rental charges for the period without service.
Cases are handled on an individual basis because the circumstances vary for each customer – for example, each customer will have a different tariff and contract length, and some customers may have been able to use their phones at certain times and places, depending on where they live and work in relation to the affected mast site. Vodafone states that customers should contact their customer relations team using 191 on their Vodafone mobile or 0870 0700 191 from another mobile or landline.
Damian Hinds said:
“Vodafone customers in Bordon have gone a ridiculously long time without signal; when you are paying for a service, you expect to get it. Some people have seen an improvement in signal recently but others are still severely inconvenienced.
“I accept that there have been circumstances beyond Vodafone’s control, such as the bad weather, that have hampered efforts to sort out the signalling issues, but I fully expect this issue to be expedited now that so much time has passed.
“I will be looking to meet Vodafone to discuss what can be done to avoid these sorts of issues happening again, and to speed up the repair process when something does go wrong. I’ll be monitoring this issue until it’s sorted out.”