Mobile network issues could last another six weeks

A telecoms company says disruption to its mobile network will continue for another "four to six weeks" as it works to introduce 5G.

It follows a rise in reports of disrupted service by Sure mobile users as the company works to upgrade its network to offer higher data speeds and better coverage.

CEO Alistair Beak said each site or mast must be taken off air while being upgraded, meaning some customers may still have problems making a call or using data services.

He said he expects the full 5G upgrade to be completed by the start of November and apologised to customers for any connectivity issues.

Beak said it was a "relatively minor proportion" of Sure's customer base which was experiencing problems.

"The scale of what we're doing is big, we're rolling out a brand new network," he said.

"We have had some other issues but I'm pleased to say that we have broadly resolved those.

"I think there's still some teething issues with the new network but overall we're getting things back to normality for most customers.

"We're looking forward to rolling this network out now and improving things overall."

Sure is spending £48m on upgrading the mobile network which it said will bring faster speeds and better coverage for islanders.

Beak said the company was "about a quarter of the way through" the project.

"We're making good progress, particularly in the Vale and to the north of the island, where people are now using the new 5G network," he said.

"Not everyone has got that yet and we're keen to roll it out, but hopefully by towards the end of October, early November, people will start to see a big difference.

He said the new equipment should increase coverage on the island by about 20% to 30%.

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