§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any plans to ensure that the cellular radiophone networks cover all the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. ForthThe two cellular radio operators were obliged by their operating licences to provide services in an area where 90 per cent. of the United Kingdom population live by the end of 1989. This target was achieved during 1987. Expansion has continued since then and now stands at over 94 per cent. In the light of this, I have no plans to impose a further coverage requirement on the cellular operators.
§ Mr. GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any plans to seek to ensure that cellular telephone companies publish a map with any of their advertisements indicating the areas of the United Kingdom covered by their cellular radio networks.
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§ Mr. ForthBoth of the cellular radio operators publish detailed maps of the areas covered by their networks, and these are made available to the public without charge. The Office of Telecommunications is also issuing a users guide for cellular radio, available from next week, which will include coverage maps.
I therefore have no plans to oblige the operators to include such maps in their advertisements.