Britain’s phone signal quality ranks the lowest among major economies, according to recent analysis. Industry data reveals that among G7 nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US, the UK has the poorest mobile network performance. Additionally, when compared to 23 other EU countries by Opensignal’s Global Network Excellence Index, the UK falls behind.
On a global scale, the UK ranks 57th for overall network performance, 70th for download speeds, and 55th for consistent quality required for activities like video calls and gaming. A study by consumer group Which? highlighted the issue, pointing out that poor signal and unreliable mobile data connections are significant consumer frustrations.
While price remains a key factor in choosing a mobile provider, survey results from over 5,000 mobile customers indicate that poor signal quality is a common complaint. More than a third of customers reported experiencing service problems in the past year, with issues ranging from coverage dropouts to slow data speeds.
Which? emphasized the need for a focus on providing reliable service rather than just coverage. The organization highlighted challenges faced by industry players like VodafoneThree, which faces obstacles in upgrading network infrastructure due to planning permission requirements. Recommendations have been submitted to the government for greater investment in mobile infrastructure, setting 5G targets for high-quality services, and implementing coverage standards that measure real-world performance metrics.
Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products and Services at Which?, stressed the importance of reliable mobile service alongside affordability. She called for collaboration between the government, Ofcom, and industry to address infrastructure gaps and enhance network performance. Consumers are advised to check network coverage maps and consider switching to providers offering better value and more dependable connections.
