A new survey has cast doubt on Orkney mobile phone reception with the ‘reality on the ground’ being different to the coverage claims advanced by the big network operators.
Research commissioned by Orkney Islands Council has found that coverage maps produced by mobile network operators (MNOs) could be flawed because they are based on ‘modelling’ rather than the actual experience of people on the islands.
Farrpoint, the connectivity consultancy, which carried out the survey on behalf of the council, pointed to the need to balance data and evidence on coverage with anecdotal information gathered in the course of the work.
Researchers were also tasked with investigating whether there was evidence that increased footfall from cruise ship passengers impacted local businesses – in terms of their ability to trade using mobile signals.
The survey did find anecdotal evidence of some businesses claiming their mobile performance was negatively impacted by the arrival of the vessels, however the study did not support those claims.
FarrPoint technology was used to gather real-time information on mobile network signal quality, local businesses were surveyed to determine the user experience, and an economic analysis was carried out.
The work – which was part-funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise – looked at Kirkwall and Stromness town centres and the main route from St Margaret’s Hope to Holm.
It found that there is a mixed picture across operators for mobile coverage. Vodafone and O2 have the best coverage in the main areas surveyed. Three and EE have worse coverage overall, apart from the road heading to the northwest of the mainland.
The economic assessment showed that poor mobile coverage may lead to mobile access issues for tourists and the local community. The same impact is not being felt by local businesses, who mostly use fixed (broadband) connectivity.
There are opportunities for improving mobile connectivity across Orkney, however, any improvements would not have an economic impact on businesses when there are increased tourist numbers from cruise ships.
Improvements should be focused on mobile coverage and capacity where there is a demonstrated need. A review of overall resilience to ensure high availability of service is also advised.
Ewan Kennedy, the council’s graduate trainee (digital engagement & enterprise), said that the survey equipment was placed in a backpack, mapping the coverage information whilst walking the mentioned routes.
He said: “Access to reliable mobile coverage is increasingly essential to all and whilst Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) publish their coverage maps, these are based on modelled (predicted) coverage and don’t necessarily reflect the real, on the ground experience of users.
“Mobile phone coverage in Kirkwall and Stromness varies depending on the network provider and officers have had anecdotal evidence from residents and businesses that the coverage is not always as good as a mobile operator information may suggest.
“Gaps in coverage remain and some are being addressed by intervention programmes such as S4GI and Shared Rural Network, but not all.
“Through this data gathering exercise we now have a much better understanding of the ‘lived experience’ of users in Kirkwall and Stromness and can identify coverage gaps and areas needing improvement and enhanced mobile coverage.
“The data from this project will directly feed into development of projects to improve connectivity in the area.”
Mr Kennedy added that the data could also help with public misconceptions.
“Anecdotally, it has been suggested that mobile performance is affected when there is an influx of visitors to the county using the local mobile networks resulting in the inability of local businesses to fully function, e.g. take card payments.
“The survey findings found this was not the case – in fact out of 39 business respondents, only one, who was reliant on a mobile signal, gave a negative response to their business during high visitor density days. All other businesses reported only positive responses.”
Andrea Rutherford, head of digital policy and delivery, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “This study provides a clear picture on the extent of digital connectivity in and around Orkney’s main towns; something that’s a key consideration in economic and community development. With the growth in cruise tourism, it’s particularly reassuring that businesses’ ability to complete payment transactions is unaffected during busy periods.”
Matthew Izatt-Lowry, head of economics at FarrPoint, added: “This great partnership project with Orkney Council and HIE has shown the importance of validating anecdotal information with data and evidence. The council is now in a much better place to make more informed decisions when working with Mobile Network Operators to improve mobile coverage and capacity issues across Orkney”.
Read the full report here.