MOBILE phone companies could be forced to share networks under plans to eliminate 'not-spots' where users are left with no signal.

The proposal is included in a three-week consultation launched by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport on Wednesday (5 November).

The government estimates that poor mobile coverage blights a fifth of the UK, with partial not-spots a problem in many rural areas.

Under the plan, in partial not-spots the coverage being provided by one or more mobile network operators would be made available to all other operators as well.

The consultation document says users could make or receive voice calls and send or receive text messages on their mobile phone in an area where their home network has no coverage.

"As it offers the potential to eliminate partial not-spots altogether in the UK, national roaming could make a significant contribution to extending coverage for consumers in the UK."

Other options to solve the not-spot problem are also being considered.

They include forcing network operators to share infrastructure, so companies are able to put transmitters on each other's masts.

Another option would oblige networks to cover a certain percentage of the UK but leave it open for them to decide how to best to achieve this outcome.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said too many mobile users regularly suffered from a poor signal leaving them unable to make calls or send texts.

Mr Javid said he was determined to improve coverage from all four networks.

Talks with mobile companies over recent months have sought to find a voluntary solution and this work by the industry is expected to continue while the consultation runs.

Mr Javid said: "I'm determined to ensure the UK has world-class mobile phone coverage as investment in infrastructure will help drive this government's long-term economic plan.

"It can't be right that in a fifth of the UK, people cannot use their phones to make a call. The government isn't prepared to let that situation continue.

"We've been talking to the mobile companies about the problem and they are working with us to find a solution."

Research by the Federation of Small Businesses found 71% of businesses rated mobile phones as crucial or very important to their business.

The survey also found that 51% of businesses said their staff had a problem with mobile coverage very or quite often.

Mr Javid said: "This consultation will complement the work industry is doing and allow the government to hear from the wider telecoms sector, businesses and the public.

"Businesses have been clear about the importance of mobile phones and improved coverage will help deliver jobs and economic security."

The consultation closes on 26 November. For the full consultation document, click here.