Best mobile network coverage in the UK
Which network has the best mobile coverage?
As mobile networks continue to improve and 5G reaches more of the country, the scope and quality of mobile phone coverage in the UK are constantly improving.
Even so, there are some areas where coverage is still patchy.
By analysing various mobile phone stats, we have compared each major carrier and outlined the sort of coverage and connection speeds you'll receive, as well as any perks and sweeteners you can expect for choosing that network, whether you're on a pay-monthly or SIM only deal.
Mobile networks often claim to cover more than 99% of the UK population, but that doesn’t actually always reflect how reliable your signal feels day to day. Coverage can vary hugely depending on where you live, work and travel, whether you’re indoors or outdoors, and even how busy the network is at the time.
This guide explains what mobile coverage really means in practice, how to check it properly, and how to choose the best network for the places you actually use your phone.
Coverage figures are a useful starting point, but they don’t tell the whole story. That’s why checking coverage where you need it matters more than headline percentages.
At a glance: which mobile network has the best coverage?
All four major UK networks offer extensive 4G coverage, but their strengths differ by location, indoor reliability, and 5G rollout.
| Network | 4G coverage | 5G coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | Very strong | Widest UK rollout | Consistent speeds and broad coverage |
| Vodafone | Very strong | Rapidly expanding | Balanced coverage, including rural areas |
| O2 | Strong | More limited | Reliability and indoor signal |
| Three | Strong | Strong in cities | Data-heavy users and urban areas |
Compare SIM only deals
Browse our full range of SIM only mobile deals on Uswitch.
How to check for the best mobile coverage in the UK
Which network is my mobile provider on?
If you’re with a smaller mobile provider, your coverage depends on which major network it uses. Some providers share the same network, meaning coverage and reliability can be very similar. Use the table below to see which network your mobile provider runs on.
| MVNO | Which network is it based on? |
|---|---|
| Asda Mobile | Vodafone |
| giffgaff | O2 |
| iD Mobile | Three |
| Lebara Mobile | Vodafone |
| Lyca Mobile | EE |
| Sky Mobile | O2 |
| SMARTY | Three |
| Talkmobile | Vodafone |
| Tesco Mobile | O2 |
| VOXI | Vodafone |
How mobile coverage is measured (and why maps can mislead)
Mobile coverage statistics are usually based on population coverage, not landmass. That means a network can cover most people while still leaving rural or remote areas with a patchy signal.
Coverage maps also make assumptions about:
- Outdoor vs indoor use
- Average building materials
- Typical phone performance
In reality, two people in the same postcode can have very different experiences depending on their phone, building type and network congestion.
How to check mobile coverage where you live
Before choosing or switching networks, it’s worth checking coverage carefully:
- Check multiple locations
Your home, workplace and commute matter more than your postcode alone.
- Use Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile tool
This will allow you to compare all networks side by side.
- Check network coverage maps
Cross-check with network coverage maps for more detail.
- Look for indoor signal and Wi‑Fi calling support
Especially if you struggle at home.
EE mobile phone coverage
EE offers fantastic 4G coverage across the UK. At the time of writing, its standard 4G network covered 99% of the UK population. EE offers faster 4G services in select locations, but these are mainly limited to cities and larger towns.
The connection speed you'll get depends on your phone and the EE plan you're on. But even the cheapest EE plans can, in theory, give you a connection speed of up to 60Mbps. At the other end of the scale, in parts of central London, the maximum speed can reach 150 Mbps.
EE also offers 5G network coverage in 50 UK towns and cities. In certain areas, 5G connections can reach speeds of over 500Mbps.
Compare EE network SIM only deals
Compare a range of deals from providers that use EE's network
Three mobile phone coverage
Three's 4G network covers 99% of the UK population as of August 2025, making it one of the country's widest-ranging networks. Its combined 3G and 4G mobile phone coverage covers 99.8% of the population, which again compares very favourably with rivals.
Three 5G is also available in parts of 588 towns and cities across the UK, covering over 60% of the country's outdoor areas at the time of writing. If you live in an urban area, you will likely benefit from its ultrafast 5G speeds.
And in another win for Three customers after the Vodafone merger, your phone can now switch between both networks, automatically connecting to whichever signal is strongest.
Three mobile SIM only deals
Compare our best Three SIM only deals
Three mobile phone deals
Compare our best Three mobile deals
O2 mobile phone coverage
O2 offers nearly 99% combined 3G and 4G outdoor population coverage across the UK and won Best Mobile Network Coverage at the Uswitch Mobile Awards 2025.
O2’s 5G service has launched in dozens of towns and cities in the UK, including Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Slough and more. Its 5G network covers over 77% of the UK population.
O2 mobile phone deals
Compare our best O2 mobile deals
Compare O2 SIM only deals
Compare our best O2 SIM only deals
Vodafone mobile phone coverage
Vodafone is one of the 'big four' mobile networks, and its 4G service reflects that, reliably covering over 97% of the UK population.
Its 5G coverage is already accessible in hundreds of UK towns and cities, and following its merger with Three, it has a goal of 99.95% 5G UK population coverage by 2034.
Compare Vodafone SIM only deals
Compare our best Vodafone SIM only deals
Vodafone mobile phone deals
Compare our best Vodafone mobile phone contract deals
What affects your real-world mobile signal
If your coverage doesn’t match what the maps promise, one or more of these factors is usually responsible:
Indoor coverage
Thick walls, modern insulation, basements and office buildings can all block mobile signal, even in areas with strong outdoor coverage.
Terrain and location
Network congestion
Your signal may drop at peak times, such as commuting hours or large events, when lots of people are using the same masts.
Your phone
Newer phones often support more frequency bands and perform better in weak signal areas than older handsets.
Switching networks because of poor signal? Read this first
Switching networks can improve coverage, but it’s not guaranteed.
Before you switch:
- Check coverage for the exact places you struggle
- Make sure your phone supports the network’s 4G and 5G bands
- Look for Wi‑Fi calling if indoor signal is your main issue
Many people switch networks only to find the problem follows them. Checking coverage first helps avoid that frustration.
Mobile coverage by location: what to expect
Cities and towns
Urban areas usually benefit from strong 4G and growing 5G coverage, but congestion can reduce speeds during busy periods.
Rural and remote areas
Coverage can be patchier, with fewer masts and a weaker indoor signal. Some networks perform better than others depending on the terrain.
Trains and travel routes
Signal can drop in tunnels, cuttings and remote stretches of track, even if coverage looks strong on maps.
Inside large buildings
Shopping centres, offices and flats often reduce signal strength. Wi‑Fi calling can make a big difference here.
4G vs 5G: does it really improve coverage?
5G can deliver faster speeds and lower latency, but it doesn’t automatically mean better coverage.
- 4G remains more widely available across the UK
- 5G can struggle indoors in some areas
- Coverage matters more than maximum speed for most people
For everyday use, a strong 4G signal is often more reliable than weak 5G.
What to do if you still have poor coverage
If you’re stuck with weak signal:
- Enable Wi‑Fi calling if your phone and network support it
- Consider a signal booster (where permitted)
- Check if you’re eligible to leave your contract early due to poor service
If problems persist, switching networks may still be the best option, just make sure you check coverage first.
FAQs
Are coverage maps accurate?
They’re a useful guide, but they can’t account for buildings, terrain or congestion.
Why is my signal worse indoors? title
Walls and insulation can block mobile signal, even in strong coverage areas.
Can I check coverage before switching?
Yes, using Ofcom’s tool and network maps helps avoid switching blindly.
Does my phone affect coverage?
Yes, newer phones often perform better in weak signal areas.