EE COMMIT TO IMPROVING A75 4G COVERAGE – LOCAL MP CALLS FOR A716 TO BE NEXT ON THE LIST
Written by author on October 4, 2016
Following a recent meeting with the Head of Public Affairs at EE, Dumfries and Galloway MP Richard Arkless has this week received confirmation from the telecoms firm that they will prioritise the A75 trunk road for improved 4G coverage.Mr Arkless has said he is ‘delighted’ at the quick response and commitment from EE adding that ‘EE are happy to be guided by me and I intend to maximise that opportunity’.
Improving internet connectivity from Dumfries and Galloway has been a key priority for Mr Arkless since his election and he has successfully petitioned various telecoms providers to improve the service they provide to rural communities.
Mr Arkless has held several meetings with businesses owners across the constituency who have been struggling with slow or non existent broadband speeds to find out more about what their specific needs and priorities are.
Commenting, Mr Arkless said,
‘Last week I met with the Richard Hermon at the Galloway Activity Centre who explained to me the serious impact poor internet connectivity was having on his business. Richard employs 34 local people – these jobs are incredibly important to the area but the business is being held back by its terrible internet connection.’
Mr Arkless continued;
‘Following EE’s commitment to prioritise the A75 for 4G, I have now asked them to also prioritise the A716, which runs alongside Loch Ken from Castle Douglas to Dalry.
‘There are a number of businesses on this stretch of road – various campsites and the Galloway Activity Centre, that are being hampered by a poor mobile phone signal and poor internet connections. A reliable 4G connection on this stretch of road would revolutionise these businesses and ensure they are still there in the years to come.’
Mr Arkless added,
‘The need to improve connectivity across our region cannot be understated – so many current jobs depend good connectivity and countless more potential jobs would come to Dumfries and Galloway if reliable internet connections
