Ofcom launches mobile coverage tool

Mobile phone users will be able to check operators’ coverage wherever they are in the UK following the launch of an online tool by Ofcom.  

The communications regulator has developed a mobile coverage checker that will allow people to discover the quality and strength of coverage in an area they work, live or intend to move into.

Users will be able to zoom to specific locations on a UK map or enter a place and postcode to access information such as reliability of signal on whichever type of handset that is being used.

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Voice and data coverage by mobile operator will be shown as well as coverage inside and outside of buildings plus any natural obstructions such as valleys or hills.  

The system, which uses mapping data provided by EE, O2, Three and Vodafone, will use a colour-coded system with green showing the highest likelihood of coverage and red the lowest.

Steve Unger, Ofcom's chief technology officer, said: “Access to reliable mobile phone coverage used to be a ‘nice to have’. Now it’s essential to many people’s lives.

“We believe our map is the most comprehensive tool available to consumers and businesses to check mobile coverage.

“We’re encouraging people to feed back after using the map, so we can continue to improve its accuracy.”

Ofcom last week confirmed that Scotland still has the lowest proportion of premises with outdoor 3G coverage within the UK.