Carmichael encourages residents to have their say on mobile phone moans (Dumfries Liberal Democrats)

Dumfries Liberal Democrats <tom@therussells.org.uk>

Carmichael encourages residents to have their say on mobile phone moans

June 16, 2009 5:42 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael is encouraging all interested local residents and parties to participate in a national survey entitled 'Mobiles, What's the Problem'. The survey has been set up by Consumer Focus, the UK's largest watchdog to look into any problems which cause 'mobile misery'.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said;Alistair Carmichael MP: Orkney & Shetland

"Mobile phones, whether you loathe or love them, now play an integral part of our lives. I am only too aware of how frustrating it can be for local residents and businesses who suffer from poor reception. I would encourage anyone who has suffered problems regarding coverage or any other matter regarding mobiles phones to submit their experiences to this wide ranging survey.

"The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 23 June and submissions can be made via post, e-mail or fax. I would hope that a substantial number of submissions from the Northern Isles would encourage Consumer Focus to investigate securing better mobile phone coverage for Orkney and Shetland."

"Mobile: What's the problem?" is a consultation which forms part of the first stage of Consumer Focus' investigation into the mobile phone sector. Consumer Focus welcomes views from consumers, local groups or any group representing the public. The views received will help identify the problems faced by all mobile consumers and prioritise campaigning work in this area. Results will be published in the summer.

Those wanting to contact Consumer Focus with their views should email: mobilephonereview@consumerfocus.org.uk. Please make sure you include your name, address and contact details. For more information on the investigation visit www.consumerfocus.org.uk/mobilephones or write to -

Mobile phone sector consultation, Consumer Focus, Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT. Responses may also be faxed to 020 7799 7901.

Notes:

· Consumer Focus was formed in October 2008 through the merger of three organisations - energywatch, Postwatch and the National Consumer Council (including the Scottish and Welsh Consumer Councils). Consumer Focus champions consumer rights in the private and public sectors by working to secure fairer markets, greater value for money, and improved customer service. For more information please see - www.consumerfocus.org.uk

· The 2008 Consumer Conditions Survey rated a range of services against a Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) to measure market conditions for consumers. Mobile telecommunications services were ranked in the lowest category of CCI rating, indicating a lack of general consumer confidence and transparency in the market. http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file48855.pdf

· More information on the current survey can be found at - www.consumerfocus.org.uk/mobilephones