The tool uses data from the big four operators, namely EE, Three, Vodafone and O2 to offer a consolidated summary of network coverage in any part of the country you wish to relocate to.
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The map shows voice and data coverage by mobile operator; coverage inside and outside of buildings; and information allowing users to identify areas where there are natural obstructions to coverage, such as valleys and hills.
Ofcom reckons that a signal level of at least -86dBm is needed to provide good 2G voice call coverage, which is higher than the -93dBm used by mobile operators.
Ofcom said its tool is a response to demands from consumers who want to make their choice of mobile provider based on the service they will receive at home and at work.
A new interactive map allows people to check their phone provider’s coverage by inputting their postcode.
But according to ofcom’s mobile coverage checker you would have to go pretty far away from one of the main towns in the county to be really caught short.
Efforts by Ofcom to improve customer choice also saw the launch of a review into mobile switching last month. The watchdog outlined possible options to achieve this in July, and will take this work forward in the coming weeks. “Now it’s essential to many people’s lives”, said Ofcom chief technology officer Steve Unger. “We believe our map is the most comprehensive tool available to consumers and businesses to check mobile coverage”.
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The map can also be broken down to show signal strength both indoors and outdoors, and is also encouraging users to report their own experiences and continually improve the map’s accuracy.
