City councillor secures mobile connectivity review in Milton Keynes

A motion calling for a review of mobile connectivity in Milton Keynes was passed unanimously at Full Council on 21 October, following a proposal by local Lib Dem councillor Wing Tsang.

Councillor Tsang, who represents Broughton and Moulsoe, brought forward the motion to ensure residents’ and businesses’ experiences of unreliable mobile coverage could be heard as the city continues to grow.

The motion recognised that some residents experience weak or unreliable mobile signals, even in areas where published coverage maps suggest a good service.

It called on the City Council’s Cabinet to consider bringing forward a review of residents’ and businesses’ experiences from the 2027/28 Council year. Any significant gaps identified would then be raised with mobile network operators and Ofcom.

Councillor Tsang said:

“We cannot be a city with first-world ambitions and third-world mobile connectivity.

“In an emergency, you should not have to worry about whether your phone signal will hold. In Milton Keynes, in 2026, we should expect better.

“Poor connectivity affects everyday life. Think about how many of us have tried to pay for parking through an app, only to struggle because we cannot get a signal.

“For a business, an unreliable connection can mean a missed customer enquiry.

“For someone trying to reach family, it can mean uncertainty and worry.

“As Milton Keynes grows, we need mobile coverage that keeps pace with our city’s ambitions.

“Coverage maps don’t always reflect what people experience when they pick up their phones. Residents’ and businesses’ experiences deserve to be heard.

“The Council can’t fix mobile networks, but it can use its voice to highlight concerns from local residents and press for improvements. This motion proposes a practical step towards building that evidence and raising concerns with network operators and Ofcom.”

The Council does not operate mobile networks or control network improvements, which are the responsibility of network operators. However, gathering local evidence could help highlight problems to the organisations responsible and strengthen the case for improvements.

The approved motion built on the City Council’s existing consideration of digital connectivity through the MK City Plan 2050 and planning policies supporting digital infrastructure.