UK comms regulator Ofcom has launched Map Your Mobile, which it says is the most comprehensive tool for comparing mobile coverage and performance in the UK.
The service, available at ofcom.org.uk/mobile, allows users to enter their postcode and obtain a local map of which networks are available, as well as data showing which operator’s network gives the best performance in the area.
The UK is entering its busiest annual period for home moves, apparently, with more than half a million moves expected to take place over the summer. Ofcom says the tool means that buyers can check in advance which network best serves their new area, and also allows people to check which networks offer the best coverage at their office or along their commute.
It includes crowdsourced data from Opensignal that is based on people’s real experiences, we’re told, as well as predictive data from operators. It also adds “a new threshold for what constitutes a good mobile signal strength, to reflect mobile users’ changing habits and expectations.”
“People increasingly need a highly reliable service for data-hungry activities such as gaming, streaming videos and working on the move. This means the new checker gives different results than the previous tool, but more accurately reflects users’ modern needs,” says the release.
Data is provided at a local level of 50 metre squares, compared to 100 metre squares before, and Ofcom says today’s launch is just the first step, as that it will continue to update the checker with fresh data and useful information.
“Map Your Mobile shows detailed coverage and performance based on what smartphones need today. Put in your postcode and find out which mobile network is right for you,” said Natalie Black, Ofcom’s Group Director for Networks and Communications.
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant added: "Access to fast and reliable mobile coverage is essential for delivering the change our country needs to thrive and boost economic growth. For too long there has been a frustrating gap between coverage reports and the real signal people experience in their daily lives.
“This new tool provides consumers with accurate, postcode-level information so they have the power to choose the network that works where they need it most - whether at home, work or on their commute. It is fantastic to see this practical step being implemented to improve connectivity for everybody across the nation."
The release also mentions that the regulator will auction off mmWave spectrum later this year, which it says will unlock network capacity in high-density areas. Ofcom announced late last year that this would take place October this year, and that participants will be required to submit their applications on 16 and 17 September 2025, with the principal stage of the sale kicking off the following month. We were told that these dates were chosen to enable a merged Vodafone and Three to prepare for the auction, a deal which has since been concluded.
