News / 4G or not 4G? Vodafone’s ‘misunderstanding’
MOBILE phone operator Vodafone has been left red-faced after prematurely heralding the arrival of 4G signal on its Shetland network last week.
Islanders seeking to hook their devices up to 4G mobile coverage, which should allow residents to download music and watch videos while on the move, were left bemused following last Thursday’s announcement.
And, following criticism from Shetland MSP Tavish Scott, Vodafone has now conceded that there had been a “misunderstanding” and that most of the 4G upgrade is actually yet to happen.
A Vodafone spokeswoman told Shetland News on Tuesday: “It was a misunderstanding and we should have confirmed that we currently provide 4G services in the Weisdale area, with further 4G coverage planned for Lerwick next month.”
Scott had asked Vodafone to explain “why there is no pan-Shetland 4G Vodafone coverage” in the wake of last Thursday’s press release.
It was headlined “Vodafone 4G arrives on the Shetland Islands” and unequivocally stated: “Customers of Vodafone UK on the Shetland Islands can now enjoy the benefits of faster mobile data speeds with the arrival of 4G”.
Vodafone has come under fire in the islands for persistent signal problems and its wider brand has been tarnished by the woeful performance of its customer service department, for which it has been fined almost £5 million by the telecoms regulator.
“Investment in 4G mobile phone coverage will always be welcome, but not when it does not exist,” MSP Scott said.
“Vodafone customers have had a hard time in recent years. Today Vodafone has been fined £4.6 million for reaching consumer rules in other parts of its business by the telecom regulator. I have had many constituents who have been let down by the company’s customer service.
“So it is very disappointing that they claim to have provided 4G coverage for Shetland and that is sadly not the case. They now say that 4G will be available in the Lerwick area from next month.
“This will be a big disappointment for those led to believe they would benefit straight away. Shetland desperately needs mobile phone companies and internet providers to offer more than empty words.
“I will continue to press for improvements with mobile phone providers and in parliament to make sure Shetland does not fall further behind.”
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