Connectivity crisis in Orkney worse than operators estimate, survey reveals

New research has showed that numerous areas in Orkney continue to have no mobile phone coverage or poor signal despite connectivity efforts.

Research commissioned by Orkney Islands Council suggested coverage maps provided by the UK’s four main mobile operators may be inaccurate as they rely on “modelling” rather than “on the ground” experiences.

The report, carried out by connectivity consultant Farrpoint, focused on three areas of the constituency – Stromness and surroundings, Kirkwall, and the route from St Margaret’s Hope to Holm – and showed a mixed picture across operators for mobile coverage.

Ewan Kennedy, the council’s graduate trainee (digital engagement & enterprise), said: “Access to reliable mobile coverage is increasingly essential to all and whilst mobile network operators publish their coverage maps, these are based on modelled (predicted) coverage and don’t necessarily reflect the real, on the ground experience of users.”

The research, which received partial funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, collected real-time data on mobile network signal strength, and surveyed local businesses to assess user experiences and economic impact.

Results showed Vodafone and O2 had the best coverage in the areas surveyed, while Three and EE had the worse coverage overall, apart from the road heading to the northwest of the mainland.

Kennedy added: “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.”

The economic analysis suggested that while poor mobile coverage could create issues for tourists and the local community, it was unlikely to negatively impact local businesses as they primarily rely on fixed connectivity – when internet is provided by a physical cable.

However, most local businesses surveyed agreed there was a general need for better, more reliable connectivity.