Outcry in Shinfield Meadows Over Mobile Reception

Residents Launch Petition for Phone Mast Installation

Residents of Shinfield Meadows are voicing growing frustration over a persistent lack of mobile phone reception in the area, prompting the launch of a petition demanding urgent action. The local community is calling on mobile network providers and Wokingham Borough Council to support the installation of a phone mast to restore basic mobile connectivity.

Many in the Shinfield Meadows report being unable to make or receive calls, send texts, or access mobile internet services from inside their homes — or even in the streets. The lack of signal is not only an inconvenience but a safety concern, especially for elderly residents, parents with young children, and those who work from home. Some residents however have reported good signal from 3 Network and Vodafone.

“It’s shocking in 2025 to live somewhere that feels like a mobile dead zone,” said one local resident. “I can’t call my GP or even reach my kids’ school without using the Wi-Fi. If there's an emergency and the internet goes down, we're cut off.”

A community petition titled “Install a New Mobile Phone Mast in Shinfield Meadows Estate” was launched earlier today and is quickly gaining traction. The petition calls for telecom providers and local authorities to prioritise the area for a mast installation, pointing out that the development was approved and built without ensuring basic mobile infrastructure.

Resident and petition organiser said, "Living in the Shinfield meadows estate, we experience daily frustrations due to the lack of mobile phone signal. Communication is essential in our lives, whether it's for contacting a loved one, responding to work emails, or accessing emergency services. Unfortunately, here in Shinfield, the absence of a proper mobile network coverage cripples our ability to perform these critical tasks, leaving us disconnected and often isolated. This area significantly lags behind in terms of network signal compared to neighboring communities, where residents enjoy seamless and reliable connectivity. The disparity in mobile network coverage not only inconveniences residents like us but also affects local businesses and impacts any emergency situations where communication is a lifeline. Statistics from Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, reveal that areas with good network connectivity see a significant boost in economic activities, and residents report higher satisfaction in their quality of life. Yet, despite the technological advances, Shinfield meadows estate somehow remains in a digital shadow. The solution is clear and actionable: installation of a new mobile phone mast in our estate. This enhancement would ensure that residents, businesses, and emergency services function efficiently and effectively without any disruption due to poor connectivity. We urge the local council, telecom companies, and the relevant authorities to consider the significant positive impact this infrastructure will bring. Our community deserves equal opportunities to communicate, thrive, and stay connected in today's digital age. Your support is crucial in turning this much-needed improvement into a reality. Please sign this petition to demand the installation of a new mobile phone mast in the Shinfield Estate. Together, we can build a connected future for our community"

Meanwhile, the petition continues to circulate across social media and community WhatsApp groups. See the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/install-a-new-mobile-phone-mast-in-shinfield-meadows-estate?recruiter=1326691065&recruited_by_id=0dff3220-b2e4-11ee-ab09-f77e3f4b9437&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=starter_onboarding_share_personal&utm_medium=mobileNativeShare