92.9 Triple Breakfast with Xav & Katie: Xavier Ellis reveals theory about Perth’s awful mobile phone coverage

Been facing phone reception issues recently? You’re not alone.

The host of a popular 92.9 Triple M breakfast radio show believes the government has asked telecommunications companies to limit mobile coverage across Perth.

Former West Coast Eagle and radio personality Xavier Ellis discussed the theory on his Breakfast with Xav & Katie show on Wednesday morning.

Donning a DIY tinfoil hat made of a coat hanger and a plate, like a true-blue conspiracy theorist, the media personality was quick to dive into his wild claims.

“I have a theory that from (the day of the social media ban) on, the government has spoken to the telecommunications and said ‘Hey, phone reception, internet reception, wind that back a fraction’,” he said.

His theory stems from the Federal Government’s world-first social media ban that came into effect in December and prohibit minors under the age of 16 from using social networking websites and platforms.

Since the ban came into effect, Ellis said he noticed a deterioration in mobile phone and internet receptions across the metro area.

The breakfast host proceeded to list four suburbs close to his home where he said his phone had either no or very slow reception: Shenton Park, Doubleview, Woodlands, and Tuart Hill.

It appears the reception issues haven’t been limited to residents north of the CBD, with Ellis sharing that a colleague had a similar experience in Perth’s south.

“I just spoke to a fellow colleague in Como, (and they had) shocking reception,” he revealed.

When asked to explain what the government’s motivation would be to do this, Ellis had a very simple answer: “To get the kids off the phone.”

“It’s to get the kids off social media, to get kids off the internet, to get the kids outside and playing in the fresh air,” he told co-host Katie Lamb.

There is no official information from either the government or telecommunication bodies supporting Ellis’ theory, however the media personality said listeners across the WA metropolitan area would agree he’s “onto something” with the claims.

“Reception has gone backwards in Perth by miles,” he said during the on-air segment.

“I can’t even doomscroll while waiting to pick my kids up at school (because there’s) not a lick of reception.”

After ending his rant, the former AFL star encouraged listeners to “prove him wrong”.

His co-host seemed pretty convinced following Ellis’ five-minute rant, agreeing that “nothing’s loading”.

“I feel (the telecommunication bodies) need to turn it on and off at the source,” she joked.

Have you experienced no reception or poor service in your suburb? Tell us in the comments!