Highland MSP steps in to try and resolve Helmsdale mobile coverage

31st December 2013

Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP Rhoda Grant has stepped into a row over the breakdown of the O2 mobile service in the Helmsdale area.

Rhoda Grant said “ I was contacted on Monday 30th December 2013, by concerned and annoyed constituents in that area and also local Councillor Deirdre Mackay, who advised me that they had no O2 mobile service for the last week. When contact was made with the Customer Services Department they claim they were fobbed off and given the run around. I made contact with O2 today and was advised that there was a fault with the Helmsdale mast since 27 December 2013, that the company was aware of the issue and per standard procedure they had five days to ascertain the problem and at least have a plan as to how they were going to carry out repairs by this date”.

She continued “ I was unable to get the latest update as the Engineers have not fed in their findings yet, but that will happen either today or tomorrow”.

“ It seems to me that this was a fault outwith the companies control, but the disappointing element is that fact that constituents affected were not advised what exactly the problem was and how long it would take to resolve. I would urge anyone in the area so affected and unhappy with the response from O2 to make contact with their Customer Services Department and if they are still not satisfied thereafter they can contact me and I will try and ascertain answers for them”.