Melton struggles with poor connectivity in digital age
- Melton in Leicestershire has been identified as the worst area in England for 4G mobile connectivity, with only 47% of households covered.
- Residents, including local vicar Paul Towns, express frustration as poor connectivity hampers their work and daily activities.
- The situation highlights a larger issue of rural communities being disadvantaged in the digital revolution, necessitating urgent attention from authorities.
In Melton, Leicestershire, residents are facing significant challenges due to poor mobile connectivity, particularly with 4G coverage. Paul Towns, a local vicar and grain merchant, highlights the frustration experienced by many in the area, as only 47% of households can access 4G from all four major network providers: EE, Three, Vodafone, and Virgin Media 02. This lack of reliable connectivity is impacting various professions, from clergy to tradespeople, who rely on mobile services for their work. Towns, who serves in Harby, a village near Melton Mowbray, emphasizes that the inadequate service is not just an inconvenience but is also affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of their daily tasks. The situation in Melton is emblematic of a broader issue facing rural communities across the country, where digital infrastructure has not kept pace with urban areas. As the digital age progresses, the disparity in connectivity threatens to leave these communities further behind, hindering economic growth and access to essential services. The ongoing struggle for better connectivity in Melton serves as a call to action for both local authorities and network providers to address these gaps and ensure that rural residents are not left in the digital dark.