Public thinks 4G mobile signal and free Wi-Fi should be considered ‘human rights’, survey claims

Having a 4G mobile signal, choosing our own working hours and always having a seat on a train should be considered basic modern human rights, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found people also ideally wanted to have mobile phone charging points in public areas, free gym membership and complimentary sun cream on hot days.

Having at least one holiday a year, free access to Wi-Fi and not having to pay tax, also made the list.

A spokesperson for NET Coverage Solutions said: “As the results suggest many of us have very strong views on the rights which should be available to all.

“Some of the things have been genuine human rights for many years – access to water, freedom of speech and so on.

“However, many represent the modern world – such as strong phone signal and being able to choose your working hours.”

The study also found one-third of people have complained when these so-called rights have not been fulfilled.

In fact, nine out of 10 people believed it was important to fight for one’s rights and have their say.

But more generally, 75 per cent said they would complain when goods and services are not up to scratch, and four out of 10 people have even felt compelled to complain on someone else’s behalf.

One third had no qualms making their frustrations public – most frequently to friends, family and colleagues, but also through online reviews and through social media posts.

Carried out through OnePoll.com, the research also found poor phone signal was a real sticking point for Britons.

One-quarter admitted they could not bear to be without phone signal for any longer than 10 minutes, with more than half confessing they felt "extremely" frustrated when they did not have any.

So much so, many have gone to great lengths to get a signal – including walking several miles, climbing a tree and creating a homemade signal booster.

Signal in hotels was a concern among those polled too - around one-fifth had experienced bad phone reception while staying at a hotel during the past 12 months. Four out of 10 of that group even said it had ruined their stay.

Seventy per cent of those polled expected good mobile signal when visiting a hotel and one-third stated that a lack of it would put them off visiting that hotel ever again.

The worst area for signal in hotels according to those polled was the South West, followed by East Anglia and London.

However, 17 per cent of those polled believed they complained too much.

It also emerged that three-quarters of people thought they took life’s perks for granted, and the same proportion thought they should express appreciation for the good things in life more often.

Seven out of 10 people thought we were lucky to live in the UK – and 76 per cent believed Britain as a whole was becoming less and less patient.

Despite this, two thirds considered themselves to be patient.

A spokesperson for NET Coverage Solutions added: “Clearly strong mobile phone signal is very important to people in general – but absolutely key to those staying in hotels, especially those on business.

“Hoteliers might not realise just how important signal is to their guests but the results suggest a lack of it could prevent people staying at their hotels again in the future.”

SWNS