Connected? Phone signal and broadband woe for more than half of Shropshire Star readers

Nearly 60 per cent say they haven't seen any improvement in either area over the last two years – with some claiming things have got even worse.

The findings come after an online poll where we asked readers what they think about mobile phone coverage and broadband across Shropshire and Mid Wales.

A total of 1,100 people took part, with nearly 20 per cent saying the terrible mobile phone coverage had made them consider leaving the county and more than 15 per cent claiming lack of broadband had made them think about moving elsewhere.

Of the respondents, only nine per cent described their phone coverage as excellent, while 27 per cent said it was average.

Half of those that took part described their signal as poor, and 14 per cent said it was non-existent.

The figures come three years after The Shropshire Star launched its Get Us Connected Campaign, calling for mobile phone companies to work harder to improve the signal in the county.

The Shropshire Star launched its Get Us Connected Campaign in 2014, calling for mobile phone companies to work harder to improve the signal in our county.

But Martin Wright, editor of the Shropshire Star, said the survey showed a disappointing snapshot of the ongoing problem.

He said: "It's time for action. For years we have been promised things will improve, but our survey shows the situation is still as bad as ever.

"It is time now that something was done to sort out mobile phone and broadband coverage, Shropshire deserves better."

With broadband, only 17 per cent of readers said their's was excellent, while 30 per cent called it average and 47 per cent said it was poor. Six per cent said it was non-existent in their area.

Readers continue to fear that patchy mobile phone signal is having an effect on the region's economy, with 85 per cent thinking it puts us at a disadvantage.

A huge 93 per cent say poor broadband is having the same effect.

And while phone and broadband companies insist work is being done to connect Shropshire, many say they aren't seeing the improvements.

A third of readers told us that mobile phone coverage across the region has actually got worse over the last two years, while 58 per cent say it has stayed the same.

The results about broadband are mirrored, with 57 per cent claiming no improvements can be seen and 26 per cent say things are getting worse.

It is clear that getting connected is still one of the most important issues in Shropshire, with 71 per cent saying mobile phone coverage is very important to them in personal life, and 85 per cent claiming broadband is.

Fifty-seven per cent of those that took part say phone signal is very important when it comes to work, and 66 per cent say broadband is.