Ofcom has ruled that mobile companies must allow users of other networks to ‘borrow’ signal in the event of an emergency. Previously, if mobile phone users didn’t have coverage then they would be unable to make any calls including those to the emergency services. Ofcom has ruled this unacceptable, phone users will now be able to call 999 and 112 from another network if their own service is unavailable.

The watchdog regulator is also looking into text services for disabled users. This all comes as Ofcom begin tackling the effectiveness of communication services across the UK. The move to provide constant access to the emergency service numbers follows proposals set earlier in the year. The phone will automatically switch to whichever network has the best signal in the area in order to make the call.

Ofcom say this will reassure consumers should they need to call 999 or 112 and will be of particular benefit to those in rural areas across the UK. Ofcom's next move is to evaluate the existing text service, which enables hearing and speech-impaired people to use a telephone. It will also look into mobile coverage "not-spots" that appear in some rural areas in the UK. Ofcom wants to understand the causes of these "not-spots", and start work to amend the situation.

Phones4U NEWS