Mobile Phone Coverage in the UK 2024

What is mobile phone coverage?

Mobile phone coverage refers to the strength of the signal that a mobile handset receives from the phone network to which it’s connected. This signal allows it to send and receive texts, make calls and, most importantly, use data. Coverage strength determines the overall quality of reception, so having strong network coverage will enable you to use your mobile phone efficiently.

Phone coverage is always changing and can be affected by factors that are outside of your control, including the distance between your phone and the nearest mobile phone mast and obstructions such as thick walls and doors. This said, the quality of your phone coverage will depend largely on the mobile network operator you’re with – some providers offer better coverage than others.

What is a mobile network?

A mobile network is a company offering a wireless connection that enables you to use your phone to make calls, send messages, and get online using mobile data. Mobile networks are supplied by providers with physical infrastructures in place to offer your phone the signal it needs to operate.

Types of mobile phone network

Currently, 5G (which stands for 5th generation) is the fastest and most up-to-date type of mobile network coverage, but mobile network providers still rely on previous generations of wireless technology in many areas. 3G and 4G are the most common type of mobile network supplied across the UK, with UK suppliers providing a 98-99% population coverage across the UK. Here’s our easy guide to what you can achieve with each generation of wireless technology:

1G

1G was introduced in the 1980s and was the first generation of wireless mobile technology. 1G is no longer supplied in the UK as its weak bandwidth is only sufficient for making and receiving calls.

2G

2G was the first network system that enabled people to make calls and send text messages (SMS), multimedia messages (MMS) and picture messages. With 2G, users weren’t able to use the web comfortably as it wasn’t strong enough to transmit the necessary data. For this reason, 2G is no longer common, having been replaced across the majority of the UK by 3G and later generations.

3G

3G was launched in the UK in the early 2000s and was the first mobile network that supported internet access. 3G offers a download speed of up to 7.2Mbps, which allows you to make calls, send texts and use data to access the internet. All providers still offer 3G as a minimum, but they’re also pushing for faster data speeds and better coverage by upgrading to 4G and 5G.

4G

4G introduced superfast internet speeds that were much quicker than previous generations. 4G can provide download speeds of up to 150Mbps, making it possible to stream movies and download apps and large files. Among UK phone providers, 4G is currently the most popular type of connection.

5G

5G is the newest and fastest type of network and has the potential to deliver up to 1Gbps. You’ll always get superfast connectivity while you’re connected to 5G. Launched in 2017, mobile providers are still in the process of rolling it out across the country. The UK aims to offer 5G coverage to 99% of the UK population by the end of 2025. Keep in mind that, because 5G is the newest generation, not all mobile networks offer it.

Factors that affect mobile phone coverage

The following factors can affect your coverage:

Location

The more distance there is between you and a mobile phone mast, the weaker your coverage will be. If you’re far away from a mast, the quality of the signal will be weaker, which will reduce your internet speeds. If your deal includes 5G, you may also find that in certain parts of the country you can only access 4G because there are no 5G masts in the area. The most rural areas may even be limited to 3G.

Environment

Obstructions such as buildings, mountains and hills can weaken or cut off your mobile signal. Being underground in a cellar or basement will also negatively affect your service.

Travel

When travelling by car or by train you may notice a change in your signal as you move between areas with strong and weak phone coverage. In rural areas in particular, the signal is likely to be weak as the infrastructure will be less developed. If you’re going away and it’s important you have strong service, use a coverage checker beforehand to be sure.

Mobile device

The model of your device will determine which type of mobile network you can use. Older models might not pick up on certain signals or might not support some network types. The latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and other Android devices are invariably 5G-ready, whereas older models won’t be.

Weather

Snow and heavy rain can also interfere with your service. Unfortunately, the weather is out of your control, but it’s important to know if dips in the strength of your coverage are due to bad weather and not something you can control.

Mobile phone networks in the UK

All the following providers offer excellent phone coverage, with the choice of a SIM-only deal, a handset deal or a pay-as-you-go plan. If you want access to 5G, take a look at EE, which has the most widely available network at 18% coverage. We suggest using each network’s checker to find out if the latest generation is available where you live. For example, if you live in an area covered by Three, you’ll benefit from the fastest median speeds. Here are the UK’s four mobile phone networks and the providers:

EE

EE offers one of the fastest 4G networks in the UK, and also offers 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. It used to be known as T-Mobile. EE has rolled out 5G in 162 locations across the UK, offering it to around 18% of the population, and has further plans to expand. This is the largest availability of any network in the UK, though its connection isn’t the fastest. EE doesn’t restrict which type of network you can access, but, in order to benefit from 5G, you’ll need to be on a 5G plan. Here are a few well-known providers that also operate on the EE network:

• BT Mobile
• Plusnet Mobile
• Utility Warehouse

O2

O2 is a large mobile provider offering 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. O2 has the weakest 4G speeds out of the four contenders but offers the fastest 5G connection. Use a coverage checker to see if you could get access to the fastest data speeds on the market. Here are a few well-known providers which also use the O2 network:

• giffgaff
• Tesco Mobile
• Sky Mobile

Three

Three no longer offers 2G but does offer 3G, 4G and 5G. While the lack of 2G will mostly not be a problem, if there’s ever a moment with no 3G coverage, you won’t be able to make calls. Three offers similar 4G speeds to Vodafone but doesn’t perform as quickly as EE. Three also offers a good inclusive EU roaming package as well as monthly data packs with the option of unlimited data. Its deals include unlimited texts and unlimited minutes as standard. Here are a couple more providers that use the Three network:

• iD Mobile
• Smarty

Vodafone

Vodafone operates in the UK and EU and offers 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. The provider has launched a fast 5G network in 127 locations across the UK. Vodafone offers excellent PAYG plans with unlimited texts, unlimited minutes and unlimited data. The following providers also use the Vodafone network:

• VOXI
• Virgin Mobile
• Asda Mobile
• Lebara Mobile
• Talkmobile

4G and 5G networks

4G network coverage

5G network coverage

More UK mobile providers

You may have heard of other providers of mobile services in the UK. These are not networks but mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), which means they offer services by using another company’s infrastructure. Here’s a list of major MVNOs in the UK:

Asda Mobile

Asda Mobile offers 3G, 4G and 5G, and is powered by Vodafone. Asda doesn’t offer many incentives, but offers some of the best value-for-money deals in the UK. Asda 30-day SIM plans are affordable and don’t require you to sign up to a long-term contract.

giffgaff

giffgaff operates using the O2 network and offers 3G, 4G and 5G. For a monthly cost you can benefit from quick speeds on a pay-as-you-go plan that can be topped up whenever you want. Choose the texts, minutes and data allowance you want each month and top-up with the amount that suits your usage.

Lebara

Lebara uses the Vodafone network and offers 3G and 4G. Lebara only offers flexible SIM-card deals. If you’re a frequent international caller, joining Lebara might benefit you as it offers inclusive international calls to 41 countries across the globe, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Plusnet

Plusnet is among the largest providers on the EE network and it offers 3G and 4G coverage. Plusnet doesn’t offer handset deals like other big operators, but offers competitive 12-month and 30-day SIM-only contracts. If you’re a broadband customer, you’ll benefit from discounts and promotions on mobile deals, helping you save money on your monthly bills.

Smarty

Smarty uses the Three network and offers 3G and 4G coverage. Smarty is a bit less accessible than its competitors and doesn’t yet offer 5G. While Smarty may not offer as much availability, it does have plenty of affordable and budget-friendly SIM-only deals to choose from. Use a checker to see the quality of service in your area.

BT Mobile

BT runs on EE and provides 3G, 4G and 5G. To join BT Mobile, you’ll need an unlocked phone, as it specialises in SIM-only deals. You can also benefit from discounts if you opt for a bundle, which also includes broadband, TV and a landline.

Sky Mobile

Sky Mobile uses O2 and offers 3G, 4G and 5G coverage. All Sky customers get free unlimited streaming of Sky TV apps such as Sky Kids, Sky Entertainment, Sky Movies and Sky Sports on their mobile if they’re also signed up to a TV deal.

iD Mobile

iD Mobile operates via the Three network and offers 3G and 4G coverage. iD is owned by Carphone Warehouse and offers good handset deals.

Lyca Mobile

Lyca Mobile runs on EE and offers 2G, 3G and 4G. Lyca Mobile doesn’t offer WiFi calling, so you won’t be able to call over the internet. However, the provider does stand out for offering inclusive international calls and cheap deals on unlimited data.

TalkTalk Mobile

TalkTalk uses O2 and offers 3G and 4G coverage. You can only become a TalkTalk Mobile customer if you’re already a broadband, TV or landline customer. As deals are exclusive to existing customers, you should get a good deal on your mobile plan if you already use the provider’s other services.

Talkmobile

Talkmobile is owned by Vodafone and offers 2G, 3G and 4G coverage. Talkmobile offers cheap SIM-card plans and a limited number of handset deals.

Tesco Mobile

Tesco Mobile offers 3G, 4G and 5G coverage and uses the O2 network. If you’re a frequent Tesco shopper, you can get discounts and offers on Tesco Mobile by saving up your Tesco Clubcard points.

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile runs on the Vodafone network and offers 3G, 4G and 5G. It specialises in handset deals, with good offers on new smartphones, but no longer offers PAYG tariffs to new customers. If you frequently use social media, Virgin Media might be a good choice as it offers free data when using WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat, helping reduce your data usage and keep you from being charged extra on top of your standard monthly cost.

VOXI

VOXI uses the Vodafone network and offers 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. VOXI offers a small selection of cheap handset and SIM-only deals, but doesn’t offer any PAYG tariffs.

Which network providers have the best mobile phone coverage?

To know which network has the best coverage, you’ll need to use a coverage checker to verify its status in your area. You can also take a look at a coverage map online.

To narrow down your search when choosing the best mobile provider for you, consider other factors in addition to phone coverage and internet speeds. For example, compare monthly prices, incentives and contract length, to find a network provider that meets all of your phone needs.

What can I do to improve my mobile phone signal?

Move location

To improve your signal you can try moving to another location – try to get as high up as possible, as areas with a higher altitude usually get better coverage.

Open a door or window

If you’re indoors, opening a door or window might help reduce obstructions between you and the mobile-phone mast.

Switch networks

You may find that other providers in your area can provide better coverage and that switching suppliers will provide an instant signal boost. Use an online coverage checker and enter your postcode to find out which network works best in your area.

Signal booster

If you find that your phone coverage is weak in certain areas or rooms of the house, try using a signal booster and see if it fixes the problem.

WiFi calling

If you suddenly don’t have any phone coverage, you can call via an app using a WiFi connection. You’ll just need to check whether your mobile provider offers inclusive WiFi calling.