About the mobile and broadband checker

This map uses mobile signal predictions provided by the four UK mobile network operators. Predictions can vary significantly from the coverage you may actually experience as a result of local factors (especially terrain). Ofcom has tested the actual coverage provided in various locations around the UK to help ensure that these predictions are reasonable. 

Ofcom has set the thresholds indicating the level of service that may be available. Consequently, the Ofcom map may differ from the maps provided by the mobile network operators on their websites. Please see the FAQ below for more detail on the reasons why. 

Standard broadband speed predictions refer to the highest predicted speed of any major broadband networks for services that  deliver download speeds of up to 30 Mbit/s. Superfast broadband speed predictions refer to the highest predicted speed of any major broadband networks for services that deliver speeds between 30 Mbit/s and 300 Mbit/s. Ultrafast broadband speed predictions refer to the highest predicted speed of any major broadband networks for services that deliver speeds over 300 Mbit/s. The data is updated three times a year. The checker results are predictions and should not be regarded as guaranteed. 

Data on coverage of fixed broadband services is collected from operators up to three times a year, in January, May and December. Mobile coverage is collected monthly and updated monthly.  

The map shows the coverage of the four main mobile network operators in the UK: EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. All other mobile operators in the UK provide their services over these networks. Examples include: 

·        Virgin Mobile, Asda Mobile and BT Mobile use the EE network. 

·        Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lycamobile use the O2 network. 

·        Lebara Mobile and TalkTalk Mobile use the Vodafone network. 

·        ID Mobile use Three’s network 

Not all handsets or contracts will offer the same access to the full range of 2G, 3G and 4G services. You may wish to check this with your operator. Some operators provide predictions related to specific handsets on coverage checkers on their websites. 

2G networks support voice calls, text messaging and very low speed data services. All handsets are able to connect to 2G networks. 

3G networks support voice calls, text messages and mobile broadband. Most handsets support 3G connections, but some older phones and very basic phones do not. When 3G coverage is not available handsets will try and connect to the 2G network, where one is available to them. 

4G networks support download speeds of more than 2 Mbps (often significantly more), and are used to deliver voice, text and higher speed data services (e.g. video streaming, fast internet browsing). 

5G is a new and evolving technology, currently supported in a relatively small proportion of handsets and contracts. Ofcom is working with the mobile network operators to establish how best to  include 5G on our map.

Ofcom's independently-produced map uses mobile network operators’ coverage predictions indicating signal levels at every location in the UK. However, each mobile network operator has a slightly different approach to displaying coverage on their own map, including assumptions on the handsets used, levels of prediction reliability and the expected signal loss when indoors or in a car. Because Ofcom's map brings all of their predictions together in a single place and holds it to a single, independent standard, our map may display different levels of availability of coverage than those seen on the operators' websites. Links to the operators' maps can be found here: 

• O2
• EE
• Three
• Vodafone

We update our map monthly, but there may be times when the Ofcom map and those of the mobile network operators are based on slightly different data and therefore show different predicted coverage.

The mobile coverage map is based on coverage predictions from the mobile network operators. These predictions are generated using computer programs that simulate the way mobile signals travel from mobile masts and are blocked by any obstructions such as hills, trees and buildings. Coverage can also be affected by the handset that you are using. 

Our own measurements of mobile signals in different parts of the UK have shown that the predictions from computer models are generally accurate, but cannot guarantee coverage is present in a certain area (as they provide a probabilistic or statistical view of coverage). 

For example, the predictions may suggest on average that there is good coverage in a full postcode, but coverage in different parts of that postcode might vary significantly depending on very local factors such as trees, buildings and seasonal foliage. Predicting indoor and in-car coverage is subject to large variations as signal loss can vary significantly depending on the materials the signals must travel through. The Ofcom map reflects a typical signal loss for a house or car, but in some cases the signal loss may be greater. For example, if you are in a basement or in a house with thick stone walls. 

If you are experiencing problems with indoor coverage you may wish to consider some of the solutions that the mobile operators can offer. For example, all the main network operators now allow calls to be made and received over Wi-Fi. You should contact your provider for more information. 

You may experience problems making voice calls or accessing mobile data services – even if a signal is available. This is usually because of congestion, where lots of other people are using the network at the same time and you are sharing the capacity of the mobile mast with them. Sometimes this can occur when you are in crowded areas such as a sports ground or shopping area, but you may also experience the effects of congestion when you are in a less obviously crowded area but many other people are sharing the capacity of the mobile mast with you. 

Mobile broadband is delivered using 3G, 4G and 5G networks. If you are in an area where your provider only has coverage from their 2G network you would only get an extremely low speed data connection, and web browsing and other services are likely to be very slow or unresponsive. If you are connected to a 2G network your handset will usually display '2G', 'GPRS' or 'EDGE' at the top of the screen. If you are connected to a 3G network your handset may display '3G', 'HSDPA', 'H+' or similar. 4G connections are usually displayed as '4G' or 'LTE' on the handset. 

The speed and reliability of mobile data can also be affected by the device that you use. If you intend to use your mobile as your main broadband connection, you may be able to receive a more reliable service by using a home router that uses the mobile network rather than a fixed network to provide a broadband connection (known as a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) router).  

Check the provider's coverage before you buy a new contract (you can use our map and we would recommend that you also check the provider's coverage checker) and then try your coverage as soon as you get connected. Try using your phone in the places you know you'll need it (such as home, work and other important places). If you bought your mobile contract online or over the phone and either change your mind about your contract, or find that coverage is a problem for you, you can cancel your contract under the statutory cooling off period that applies to the first two weeks. If you bought your mobile contract in a mobile provider's shop, check with your provider as many offer a 'check your coverage' cooling off period for contracts bought in store for the first two weeks after you sign up. 

You should contact your mobile operator in the first instance if you are having coverage problems as they may have solutions for your problem. You'll be able to find contact details and their complaints procedure on their website or on your bill

Information on how to complain to Ofcom about your provider.

Ofcom is unable to get involved in individual disputes, but we do log and monitor the complaints we receive to help inform our decisions.

Standard broadband services deliver download speeds up to 30 Mbit/s. 

Ultrafast broadband services deliver download speeds  above 300Mbit/s. These speeds are typically delivered on a cable network or through a fibre connection to the home.  

If you can’t get a download speed of 10 Mbit/s and an upload speed of 1 Mbit/s, you can request an upgraded connection subject to eligibility criteria. You can make this request to BT, or to KCOM if you live in the Hull area. You do not need to be an existing customer of BT or KCOM to apply. 

More information is available on the Ofcom website. 

The predicted speeds used in the checker are provided by the leading UK broadband networks. If no predictions are shown for your address this does not necessarily mean that broadband is not available and we suggest that you check availability on the networks’ websites. 

While we aim to seek coverage information from all fixed broadband network providers in the UK, there may be some network providers we do not currently collect information from. If you would like your network to be included in our checker, please email us via connectednationsreport@ofcom.org.uk  

There are a number of factors that affect the speed that can be received on a device, for example the performance of the in-building network and the number of devices that are also accessing online services at the same time.  

The length, age and repair of the line itself may also affect the performance of the line. In this case, this may be able to be addressed by your provider.