Letter: Cut off on the motorway

Sir: The Independent (15 May) contains as usual an advertisement from a mobile phone operator - in this case Orange - claiming to cover somewhat over 90 per cent of the UK population. All four operators make similar claims.

As one who in recent weeks has made considerable use of in-car mobile phones from at least three of the systems currently operating - including Orange - I wonder if one of them can explain how they have managed to corral the uncovered 8 per cent - or whatever - to inhabit 100-yard strips at two- or three-mile intervals along the sides of major roads and motorways. This has led to calls being regularly cut off and on reconnection punishing the poor consumer for a failure by the operator by charging them again the minimum connection charge.

GLYN FORD MEP

(Greater Manchester East, Lab)

Brussels