Michael Skuce, in Derrygonnelly where coverage is set to improve
AFTER YEARS of having to do without a proper mobile phone service in the Derrygonnelly area the long wait is almost over.
A new mobile telephone mast has recently been erected in the village and it is hoped that it will dramatically improve mobile coverage to people in Derrygonnelly and the surrounding areas. Local people have previously complained that the phone signal in the area is so poor that they cannot be contacted or use their phones.
It is believed that the new phone mast will be operated by O2 and Vodafone, and should be in operation within the next month. Other networks will also be served by the new mast.
Michael Skuce of Derrygonnelly and District Community Partnership said, “We are delighted. I was speaking to the people who were doing the arrangements, and they said they hope to have it up and running by the middle of October, and most of the customers should get a text before that.”
The coverage in the rural area is currently described as ‘Limited’ by Vodafone, while O2 says coverage is good indoor and outdoors on 2G, but 4G calling is currently not available.
Michael Skuce continued, “We have been without any coverage now for quite some time so this will make a big difference to the area – particularly older people, businesses, various groups and organisations.”
“We have had a great response from people, and it is a great asset to the area. There will be so many benefits of this, and it is a long time coming. Now that is coming to the area we are delighted.”
Local Councillor Bernice Swift has been campaigning for the improvement in communications in the rural area for a long time.
“I am delighted with the mobile mast soon to go live in Derrygonnelly. Significant access to signal and fast telecoms service is a necessity in the 21st Century, this is a good start and we need more,” said Cllr Swift.
“I arranged a meeting with Telefonica in the Townhall over one year ago to address some complaints received against the mast and assured them of my 100% commitment and that of the vast majority in the area to the Planning process to ensure approval for constituents to have expected signal.
“It should be pointed out, the success of securing the mast in Derrygonnelly is a major positive as it could have been cited anywhere else in the region, but thankfully, with serious endeavours within the Council and my persistence, Telefonica decided on Derrygonnelly.”
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