- Ofcom launches Map Your Mobile
- Put in your postcode to find out which mobile network works best where you need it
Millions of Britons could be missing out on the best mobile network for them, according to Ofcom, as it launches a new postcode checker that reveals local coverage and performance.
Map Your Mobile, available at ofcom.org.uk/mobile, is the most comprehensive tool for comparing mobile coverage and performance to be made available in the UK.
The service allows users to enter their postcode and obtain a local map of which networks are available, together with data showing which operator’s network gives the best performance for their postal district. [1]
Natalie Black, Ofcom’s Group Director for Networks and Communications, said: “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.”
Postcode power
Map Your Mobile launches as the UK enters its busiest annual period for home moves, with more than half a million moves expected to take place over the summer.[2] The tool means that buyers taking the keys can check in advance which network best serves the area in and around their new property.
It also allows people to explore which networks offer the best coverage at their place of work or commuting route – and local communities to assess the quality of service across their area.
The checker includes crowdsourced data from Opensignal that is based on people’s real experiences, as well as predictive data from the UK’s mobile 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.
Mobile users also need better information about the quality of reception where they live and work, so our new tool provides it. Data is provided at a local level of 50 metre squares, compared to 100 metre squares before.[3] Today’s launch is just the first step, as we’ll continue to update the checker with fresh data and useful information, putting more power in the hands of customers looking to switch networks [4].
Firing up the future of mobile
Mobile coverage on the ground is set to improve as operators continue to improve their networks and prepare to invest billions of pounds in the coming years.
Ofcom is also working to bring improvement and innovation to mobile networks, so that people are better connected than ever before.
Later this year we will auction off millimetre-wave spectrum – tiny radio waves that enable wireless communication. This cutting-edge technology will unlock network capacity in high-density areas, so that users can rely on their phone even when surrounded by hundreds or thousands of people in stadiums, train stations or high streets.
And callers could soon be able to get a signal from space, even when there’s no coverage from a traditional mobile mast on the ground, under our proposals to enable ‘direct-to-device' connections between standard smartphones and satellites.
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "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."
Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive of Mobile UK, said: “Mobile operators are making significant investments to improve mobile coverage and capacity across the UK. This is particularly important at a time when consumers are increasingly using data-intensive applications.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government and Ofcom to create the positive and stable investment environment required to support the continued deployment of next-generation mobile infrastructure.”
Tom Luke, Vice President (Innovation) at Opensignal, said: “We’re proud to support Ofcom in launching the web checker. Mobile users expect a consistent quality of experience wherever they go — but it can be difficult to pick the best provider.
“Our partnership with Ofcom shifts the focus to real-world experience, using independent analysis of over 20 million tests across the UK. By putting this data directly into consumers’ hands, we’re helping them make smarter choices about which network truly delivers consistent quality where they live and work.”
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: "In the crowded market of UK mobile networks, consumers need access to accurate mobile coverage and performance information to choose a plan that meets their needs and represents good value for money.
“Ofcom’s new tool will help consumers make informed decisions with crowd-sourced data and predictive data from mobile network operators, which should increase the reliability of coverage information available to consumers.
“It’s important that the tool continues to incorporate user feedback to stay relevant, accurate, and responsive to the changing needs of consumers.”
Notes to Editors
[1] For the purposes of the tool, 'coverage' refers to whether a 4G/5G signal is predicted to be available locally, either indoors or outdoors, and whether the signal is likely to be good or variable. The results are shown on a map so you can move around and zoom in. 'Performance' refers to the real-life experiences people have had, and for the purposes of our tool it means the likelihood that you can stream video on your phone when you’re in your local area - that’s the district covered by the first bit of your postcode.
[2] UK house moves peak in July-September, with more than 600,000 moves in the period and August the single busiest month. Source: the Home Owners Alliance, 2024.
[3] A 50-metre square is similar in scale to a residential postcode of 15-20 homes.
[4] Ofcom has made switching mobile provider quicker and easier than ever before. To make the switch, start by simply sending the word PAC to 65075.