Ofcom maps UK mobile coverage

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UK Ofcom 2G and 3G coverage

Ofcom has published a map of the UK's mobile 2G and 3G coverage that shows exactly how well each area of the country performs, as part of the regulator's communications infrastructure report.

The interactive, zoomable map — published on Tuesday — follows on the heels of Ofcom's fixed-line broadband speed map. It ranks each area of the country on a scale of one to five denoted by colour, with green offering the best coverage and red the worst.

Buttons on the right-hand side of the map allow users to select between 2G and 3G coverage by premises or by geographical area. Transparency of the map can also be adjusted.

Ofcom's report found that 73 percent of UK premises receive 3G coverage from all major UK network operators. However, by geographic area, only 13 percent of the country is covered by the major operators. Additionally, it found that 30 percent of the country by area did not have 3G coverage from any operator. In comparison, only one percent of UK premises were not covered by any providers.

2G coverage fared better in the report, with 97 percent of UK premises receiving coverage from all operators. "The maps show that 97 percent of premises and 66 percent of the UK landmass can receive a 2G signal outdoors from all four 2G networks," Ofcom said."This means that approximately 900,000 UK premises do not have a choice of all four 2G mobile networks."

2G coverage is suitable for making phone calls and sending text messages, Ofcom added.

The image above shows UK 3G coverage by geographical area, keyed by colour. Green represents 95 percent coverage or better; blue between 90 and 95 percent; orange between 80 and 90; and magenta between 60 and 80. Red represents 60 percent or less.

Image credit: Ofcom