UK coverage of mobile networks is not yet as complete as it could. This means that it’s crucial to ensure your area has coverage before you select a network. We detail the coverage provided by the main providers and highlight the key factors that may affect your mobile signal.
Check your coverage
Many different providers offer mobile coverage. You should compare the coverage to see which areas you’re most comfortable with. When mobile coverage is poor where you live and work, call quality can be a problem and internet coverage can become a daily issue.
Each network has its coverage checker online, so we’ve included helpful links to all. Remember that they may not be 100% accurate. Mobile signal quality can be affected by many factors, including wall thickness and building height. You will still get an idea of how coverage is distributed across different areas of the nation.
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EE mobile coverage
EE, as of the writing of this article, is the fastest 4G UK internet network. This BT-owned operator reaches a staggering 99% of UK residents and 86% of UK territory.
EE’s 5G coverage is available in Belfast (Birmingham), Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
It will also be available in Bristol and Coventry, Glasgow, and Leeds, Hull and Sheffield before the year ends.
2020 will see EE 5G rolling out 5G to Aberdeen (Cambridge, Derby), Gloucester, Peterborough and Plymouth, Portsmouth, Southampton, Wolverhampton & Worcester.
O2 mobile coverage
O2 may not have as extensive coverage as EE, but it still delivers its 4G contract plans and SIM-only plan to more than 97% of UK citizens outdoors. O2’s coverage in towns and larger cities are rapidly expanding.
O2 5G services will be available starting in October 2019 in selected areas of London and Slough.
You will be eligible for O2 5G service in 20 areas by the end of 2019, with plans to expand coverage to 50 locations in summer 2020.
Vodafone mobile coverage
Vodafone has the most coverage of any four major networks in the UK with 98% 4G UK.
Vodafone’s 5G Service is Live in Birkenhead at the time of writing. Vodafone will extend its 5G coverage into Blackpool, Bournemouth & Guildford, Portsmouth & Reading, Southampton & Warrington by 2019.
You can compare SIM-only and phone plan options on this site. Or, use Vodafone’s coverage calculator to find out if your area has good coverage.
Three mobile coverage
Three offers mobile coverage in 98% of UK. This coverage is faster than 91%, even though it was the last major network in the country to launch a 4G mobile service.
Three’s 5G services will be available at Bolton, Birmingham.Brighton. Bristol. Bradford. Cardiff. Coventry. Derby. Edinburgh. Glasgow. Hull. Leeds. Leicester. Liverpool. Manchester. Middlesbrough. Milton Keynes. Nottingham. Reading. Rotherham. Slough and Sheffield, Sunderland and Wolverhampton
Smarty mobile coverage
Smarty uses Three’s network for SIM and 3G coverage can reach approximately 98%, while 4G is more than 91%.
VOXI mobile coverage
Vodafone’s network allows VOXI mobile to offer its SIM-only plans to youth-focused network VOXI. This means that 4G covers 98% of UK residents.
Vodafone’s network has a solid reputation for reliability. If Vodafone can provide a signal, then VOXI can too.
BT Mobile coverage
BT owns and utilizes EE’s4 G network.
BT 5G services will be available in the following areas: London, Birmingham (Manchester), Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, Glasgow.
Sky Mobile coverage
Sky Mobile uses O2’s network, which offers extensive coverage. More than 97% coverage is available outdoors, so you can still access 4G in most locations if one of its plans is chosen.
Sky Mobile 5G will now be available in Slough and Cardiff from October 2019. Sky Mobile expects to expand its coverage in 20 more cities and towns by 2019. By 2020, it is expected that the service will be available at 50 locations.
Tesco Mobile coverage
Tesco Mobile utilizes O2’s infrastructures and towers. It also benefits from 4G coverage that covers more than 97% outside the UK.
You can also get the signal to call or send text to 99% of the population. If you buy a SIM plan or phone through the operator, you will likely be able to access the service in your area.
iD Mobile coverage
iD Mobile, owned by Carphone Warehouse uses Three’s 4G network. This covers 91% to 91%.
Virgin Mobile coverage
Virgin Mobile 4G coverage is available to more than 99% of UK residents.
Virgin Mobile SIM-only and contract options are available. You can also click the link to find more information on Virgin Mobile coverage in your area.
Plusnet Mobile coverage
BT owns Plusnet by the reliable EE4G Network, which gives it over 99% coverage.
Lebara Mobile
Lebara Mobile utilizes the Vodafone network. However, there is no 4G internet at Lebara, only 3G.
However, coverage in the UK is very good. It can reach more than 99 per cent of the population.
ASDA Mobile coverage
ASDA Mobile uses EE Network – The largest and most popular 4G network in the UK. It reaches more than 99% of the UK’s population.
Giffgaff coverage
O2’s infrastructure makes it possible for giffgaff to provide indoor coverage up to 99%.
What will affect my coverage?
There are several factors which can impact mobile coverage.
Distance from the mast-The weaker the signal, the farther away you are from a mast. You will probably switch to a more distant mast if you get too far from it. However, the areas between them can slow things down.
The environment is a major factor in inconsistent mobile signals. A mobile signal can be affected by tall buildings, tall walls, thick walls, underground rooms, or trees. Be aware of this when comparing coverage. A pay-as-you-go plan can be used to test how a network will perform within your local area.
The device you are using can make or break your chances of getting the best symbols. You want the best possible experience so make sure to keep your phone charged.
Congestion is a problem that slows down your connection if many people are sharing the same tower. This problem is most common in highly populated places, but it can also be visible at events that draw crowds like sporting matches or festivals.
Types of mobile coverage
- 3G – Originally introduced in the UK in 2003. This allows you to browse the Internet, watch videos, and download apps. If 4G doesn’t work, your network will connect you using 3G.
- 4G – 4G is much faster than 3G. With 4G, you can surf the Internet, stream HD video, and download apps and music at the same speed as home broadband.
- 5G – This cutting-edge network technology is up to twenty times faster than 4G. 5G enables super fast downloads and smoother online games on our phones.
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