One possible solution would see people transferred to rival networks when they lose signal. But experts are not convinced this would work.
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said he was determined to sort out the issue of mobile notspots. A series of talks held with mobile operators has so far failed to find a solution, though.
"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," he said.
The proposals to end the frustration, currently only aimed at improving 2G services, are as follows:
National roaming — phones would use another network when theirs was unavailable, similar to how roaming works when abroad.
Infrastructure sharing — mobile networks would be able to put transmitters on each other's masts.
Reforming virtual networks — agreements that companies such as Tesco and Virgin currently have with single operators would be extended to all four networks.
Coverage obligation — obliging the networks to cover a certain percentage of the UK, and leaving them to decide how to do it.
The government has given the industry, businesses and the public until November 26 to respond to the proposals.
