Residents of Brighton contend that poor mobile phone coverage is a source of frustration, stress, and anxiety for them. .
Customers with O2 and Giffgaff, which use the same network, claim they have experienced problems with data access for months.
O2 expressed regret to customers who had experienced sporadic service problems and stated that it was "working to boost capacity and ease congestion.".
The service provider has plans to construct a second mast and has recently installed a new temporary mast.
They said there were outside factors, like planning issues, that could make it a "lengthy process," but they were unable to provide a completion date.
O2 has not submitted any planning applications, according to Brighton and Hove City Council, but not all phone masts require planning permission.
Despite reports of poor 4G coverage throughout the city, it appears that the beach and its surroundings are a particular 4G blackspot.
Being unable to access data "adds a layer of complexity if you're making plans," according to O2 customer Emma Cohen, who is visually impaired.
She claimed that when she meets up with someone, she texts them on WhatsApp if she can't see them.
"It adds stress and anxiety if I can't get through," she said.
Given that bus and train tickets are now frequently bought online, Ms. Cohen finds it challenging to plan a trip when she lacks access to data.
She has issues with Google Maps as well, which she uses for route planning.
Some people are having issues at work because there isn't enough coverage.
Head teacher Laura Kelsey can be found on O2. She constantly needs to be on call, making it challenging for her to download and read emails.
Ms. Kelsey said, "I can't rely on my phone when I'm out and about.". It's frustrating because it ought to work in a major city. " .
Catering company owner Sophie Adler uses Giffgaff.
She frequently finds herself unable to contact clients while out and about because she has experienced similar issues with emails. .
Ms. Adler recently discovered her bank card was blocked while she was out shopping.
She needed to use online banking to unlock it, but her lack of data coverage prevented her from doing so.
Up until I connected to wi-fi, Ms. Adler said, "there was nothing I could do."
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