Residents and businesses in East Cambridgeshire are being constrained by poor mobile phone coverage, according to the leader of the district council.

In a letter to the main telecommunication companies, Cllr James Palmer, from Soham, has asked each firm to explain why the 3G network – which allows mobile users to access the internet - in the district is so poor.

The letter highlights East Cambridgeshire as one of the fastest growing areas in the country over the last 10 years and therefore greatly dependent on improved telecommunications.

Cllr Palmer, said: “When 3G technology was first rolled out in the last decade it was heralded as the future of communications with faster connectivity bringing fantastic new opportunities.

“However, years after it was launched only now are areas of East Cambridgeshire getting 3G – this is simply not good enough especially given the speed of our recent growth.

“We are an advanced and well educated area of the country – yet our success often feels to be in spite of the obstacles which are placed in our way. This is why I felt compelled to write to all the telecoms operators demanding to know when the roll out of 3G in East Cambridgeshire will be complete.

“I wanted to know if they thought it was fair for their customers in Littleport, Fordham and Burwell to pay the same bills as all those who enjoy 3G coverage in major cities – let alone 4G which is beginning to roll out.

“It shouldn’t be the case that areas which are helping to drive forward the economy are held back because the private sector is so slow in delivering the necessary infrastructure. Imagine the outcry if local authorities took so long to deliver the services which council tax payers had paid for.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you suffer with poor 3G connectivity? Contact editor@ely-standard.co.uk or write to Ely Standard, 38 Market Street, Ely, CB7 4LS.