Ofcom has published maps of 3G coverage for the UK, showing where each operator meets the regulator's minimum coverage threshold.
The maps, published on Wednesday, are not designed to show neighbourhood-level coverage — the sort of detail that is provided on many operators' own sites — and they do not show where 3G users can find the highest speeds.
Instead, Ofcom said they "indicate areas where customers have the possibility of making and receiving a call outside over a 3G network (but with no guarantee of being able to do so)".
The regulator's publication of the maps was welcomed by the Communications Consumer Panel, which pointed out that the maps showed "substantial gaps in mobile broadband coverage", an issue that the panel has identified as problematic for users.
Ofcom announced that it plans to conduct research into mobile-broadband speeds and other quality-of-service issues across the UK. In addition, it will investigate the causes of so-called "not-spots", areas of poor or no reception.
The map shown above represents 3's coverage in the UK. This is the most highly populated map, as 3 is the only operator in the UK that has always had a 3G network.
Talkback
Close to the A1M the town and surrounds of Boroughbridge have been totally been off 02's map of the UK since mobile technology first came in, in the 1980's.
Repeated attempts to get them to put a booster/share a booster in the area to give town centre coverage have been refused/ignored.
We contend 02 is Londoncentric and it totally ignores areas like Boroughbridge.
Local supermarkets and mobile retailers all over the area "rubbish" 02 and its refusal to offer a service.
Its a joke that they want to boost 3G--why not get bog standard coverage up and running??
4 large hotels and a conference centre are out of the 02 loop in this area.
Wake up you dozy quiche-eating Southerners!!!
If someone was to take the time to redraw the maps removing the considerable amounts of purple that are over the sea then the true - pretty abysmal - picture would be portrayed!
What's the point in having an iPhone when there's hardly any 3G signal to make the most of it?
Yes I was just puzzling over that.
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OfCom may provide these maps, however I resoundingly dispute Orange's 3G coverage, which is shared with T-Mobile. I live in Woolwich, London, have a 3G mobile and are never able to receive 3G signal. Even after numerous conversations with Orange 'Tech Support??' If I force my handset to only use a 3G signal it's unable to connect to any service, so I am stuck with the joy of 2G. By the way I have a Nokia X3-02.