It’s been a hot topic for discussion on social media: Why has mobile network data connectivity been so patchy recently? 

One provider says the number of device-toting visitors to the district overloads the network.

Consumers in more isolated areas relying on the mobile network for all their internet traffic and phone services have been left with little or no communication with the wider world since before Christmas Day.

One of those affected in Cromwell is Jo Vivian. Jo and her housemates have not been able to download emails, let alone sit down to an evening of her favourite shows on a streaming service since before Christmas.

“Because of our location, we had no fibre optic running past the driveway, so we relied on internet through a copper cable. 

“It was like the days of dial-up, so we took advice and switched our landline phone and internet to the mobile network. We got a special external receiver and modem,” she said.

“We are a wee way away from the nearest tower, but initially, we did get good reliable internet and phone coverage until Christmas, then it dropped right off.”

Jo drove to the nearest reliable mobile signal after a couple of days of little or no service and called her provider, only to be told that the network was likely overloaded. 

When many consumers use the network simultaneously, it becomes overloaded, and the signal drops in quality. 

Jo was told there was nothing much to be done until things “quietened down after the busy period”.

“We now understand that this can happen, but it would have been great to have been told before signing up that there may be busy times when there will be little or no service.”

Jo is now looking to the stars and exploring satellite internet options.

The Central App would like to hear about your connectivity ups and downs over the holiday period. Please email your tale to [email protected]