Middleton Residents Faced Three Years of Mobile Signal Loss Due to Mast Vandalism

Residents of Middleton, Greater Manchester, experienced poor or non-existent mobile phone coverage for nearly three years, a problem recently traced back to vandalism of a local telecommunications mast. The issue affected both individuals and businesses, with many assuming that the town’s hilly terrain was the cause. Local phone shop owner Ali Salam noted that most residents had been frustrated with the lack of signal. Local MP Elsie Blundell undertook months of investigation, ultimately discovering that the damage was caused by a small group of vandals, severely affecting the town’s connectivity. She worked with Cornerstone, the mobile infrastructure provider responsible for the mast atop Warwick Mill, and engaged with the local planning authority to find solutions. Residents shared the challenges they faced due to poor mobile service, ranging from foster care communication issues to businesses having to rely on guest Wi-Fi networks. The mobile provider has indicated efforts are ongoing to improve coverage in a way that aligns with community and environmental considerations. The discovery has sparked concern and urgency in finding a replacement mast to restore reliable communication in the town.