We all know the frustration of picking up your phone to make a call, only to find you have no signal.
Although coverage has improved in recent years, there are parts of Cornwall where the sight of someone holding their device in the air in the hope it might connect is still all too familiar.
Now Cornwall Council is commissioning an innovative survey to find out the exact picture of where phone coverage is at its best, and where it is still far too patchy.
Expert surveyors Streetwave have been appointed to carry out the study, which will use Cornwall’s fleet of food waste collection trucks, operated by Biffa, to reach all parts of the road network.
Cllr Tim Dwelly, the council’s portfolio holder for economy, regeneration and investment, said: “Our refuse trucks travel to each and every corner of Cornwall, and by using them will be able to gather real-world data including 4G and 5G availability, download and upload speeds and network-specific performance.
“This will provide a better picture of mobile signal performance than coverage predictions alone which can often be inaccurate.
“It will identify areas experiencing poor mobile connectivity across the major network operators, highlighting locations where residents, businesses and visitors face challenges accessing reliable mobile services.
“That will help us identify areas suffering from digital exclusion and enable us to advocate for investment and improvements where the need is greatest.”
George Gibson, partnerships director at Streetwave, said: “"Predicted mobile coverage often paints a more optimistic picture than the reality experienced by residents.
“We're delighted to be working with Cornwall Council to collect real-world mobile performance data across every road in the county, helping identify connectivity gaps and ensure no community is left behind."
Nick Seviour, Biffa's general manager for Cornwall, said: "Our crews travel Cornwall's roads every day, so this is a simple but effective way to gather information from right across the county.
"We're pleased to be supporting the council beyond waste and recycling collections with a project that will help Streetwave build a clearer picture of where mobile coverage is working well and where improvements are needed."
The surveying work will be undertaken this summer, with the results expected in the early autumn.
ENDS