Last week, the communications regulator Ofcom launched their new mobile coverage checker on their website. This handy tool allows consumers to check the quality of mobile coverage anywhere in the UK, zooming in down to 100 square metres. Any UK place or postcode can be entered to check coverage in that area.
The map uses data provided by Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three, so consumers can compare the coverage in their area offered by the different providers on voice calls, 3G Data and 4G Data. They can also compare the indoor and outdoor coverage, and see any topographical factors that may be affecting coverage, such as valleys.
The level of coverage is colour coded green, yellow or red, making the map easy to read and understand for any user.
We gave it a spin to see how coverage was around us.
Coverage around the Midland Networks offices.
This map is just the latest of many maps available on the Ofcom website.
Some users online have reported that their coverage differed to the coverage shown on the mobile coverage checker. Ofcom have clarified the map is based on service coverage predictions, and that what device you are using, what kind of building you are in (for indoor vs outdoor estimations), how many users are using the network and the capacity of the mobile mast being used, can change the quality of coverag. Users are encouraged to leave feedback to improve the accuracy and usability of the map.
At Midland Networks, we offer mobile packages through EE, O2 and Vodafone, as well as our own network, which uses the O2 or Vodafone infrastructure.
Check out the map for yourself on the Ofcom website!