Support is building for a campaign calling for an end to the mobile phone “blackspots” that blight the region.

The East Anglian Daily Times launched the Let’s Get Connected initiative last week in a bid to bring all corners of Suffolk and north Essex into the 21st Century.

Around 200 people have already signed the campaign and dozens have shared their experiences of phone problems.

EADT editor Terry Hunt said: “The response to our campaign shows how many people are being affected by mobile phone blackspots.

“Let’s Get Connected needs to demonstrate to the mobile phone companies that the demand for much improved coverage exists.

“We know it does – but we must convince them.

“So, please keep signing our petition form – the bigger the number, the better.”

The EADT revealed that large parts of Suffolk and north Essex, including major tourist hotspots, have no coverage from the big mobile operators.

Vodafone customers cannot make or receive any calls in Aldeburgh, Orford or Framlingham while O2 customers do not receive signal in Hoxne, Bramfield or Wickhambrook. And in Bildeston, people cannot get a decent signal from any mobile phone networks.

The campaign is calling for good mobile signals for every provider across the two counties by constructing masts with all major mobile phone companies putting transmitters on them.

The campaign has been backed by rural development minister David Heath as well as Suffolk and Essex politicians, including the following MPs: Central Suffolk and North Ipswich’s Dr Dan Poulter; Suffolk Coastal’s Dr Therese Coffey; West Suffolk’s Matthew Hancock and Clacton’s Douglas Carswell.

It has also received support from Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Essex Chambers of Commerce and Visit East Anglia.

Visit our campaign page via www.eadt.co.uk/news/campaigns/lets-get-connected to sign the petition.