Mobile Phone and Internet Coverage Update

Published: 17 November 2022

Introduction

This update is about poor mobile phone and internet coverage in Christow and the Teign Valley. Previous updates (which include more information) are on the Christow Parish Council website.

We have been pressing all relevant parties since the last update – and many of you have helped by doing the same (Thank you).

Underlying position

The Government committed to resolve both mobile phone and internet coverage across the whole UK by 2026; but as yet there is no timetable for a comprehensive solution in the Christow area. Some of us are lucky enough to have mobile and/or internet coverage at home and some of you have neither.

Ø Mobile Phone coverage

· See also previous updates.

· A mobile phone mast at Blackingstone has conditional approval but was confirmed to largely not benefit the Christow area. We also don’t yet know if it will proceed. Vodafone say other options are being ‘explored’ but we are not aware of meaningful progress.

· Mel Stride has obtained confirmation that we will have coverage by the end of 2025; he has been helping us chase things along with all relevant parties to get something sooner, including commitments, but so far we haven’t received a tangible programme or plan.

· Efforts are being made to convert the emergency only mast to be upgraded and made available to all, Mel Stride is also following up on this for us, we’re still waiting an update. He’s also following up with Western Power Distribution to see if their existing mast at Blackingstone can be used.

Ø Broadband

· See also previous updates.

· We have been given an opportunity which may help. The Government paid for the upgraded BT cabinet we have; it was funded on the basis of providing a level of service to a portion of Christow. If you qualify and don’t have the level of service the Government paid for, CDS are offering to help. They are also offering to help make a case for action for other areas/properties without appropriate coverage.

· CDS are hoping to attend a future Parish Council meeting to update us and answer questions.

· We are doing all we can to get everyone a reasonable minimum level of internet/broadband service.

· For us to help you please complete and return this questionnaire to Christow Parish Council Clerk The Clerk, Christow Parish Council, Mrs Carol Retallick Address: Bagtor Barton, Ilsington, Newton Abbot, TQ13 9RT or clerk@christowparishcouncil.gov.uk .

Download the Questionnaire here