Phone network operator EE has now got to work rectifying the signal problems which have blighted customers’ phone use in Royston and surrounding villages for “months”.
EE has said the problem is that the trees block the line of sight of telephone masts in the area – which has resulted in a loss of signal and affected commuication.
The Crow understands the main problem is with the telephone mast in Newmarket Road – and EE said that, work began yesterday to lower the treeline. The problems are also affecting some Three customers in the area.
One phone user told the Crow: “EE says it’s been a problem for weeks, and that it’s just Royston, but it’s been about four months – at first you think it’s just the phone so you get on with it, but there is a problem and it’s not getting better.”
After the Crow’s initial online coverage last week, there was plenty of feedback from the community expressing their frustrations.
“Perhaps they should invest in a taller mast rather than start cutting trees down,” Dave Porter said.
David Browning said: “Been having problems in Meldreth for the last couple of months. EE told me it was a tree problem – I thought they were joking! My wife is on Three and is having similar problems.”
Sharon Wollaston said: “I have had problems with EE since last year. I’m in Bassingbourn. Told them to release me from contract which they finally did week ago – it’s been a nightmare.”
And Cathie Chappell said: “I’m having problems with Three network. I can’t make a call to last more than 35 seconds – then you’re cut off! Ridiculous.”
An EE spokeswoman told the Crow: “We are aware of an ongoing signal issue affecting customers in the Royston area, which is being caused by overgrown trees that are blocking the signal between sites.
“We’ve been working hard to restore service in Royston, after some overgrown trees blocked signal between a number of sites.
“We’re happy to report we’ve now been granted access by the landowner and work has started on cutting the trees.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused our customers and hope to restore signal as soon as possible.”
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