Best Mobile Coverage - Compare The Networks

Which UK Network Has The Best Signal Coverage?

This is a hard question to answer! Each mobile phone network claims coverage over a particular percentage of the population, although the actual signal strength in any place will vary. Here are the coverage percentages, given by each network.

Note: a 2G signal will allow calls and texts, as well as slow Internet access. A 3G signal offers the same, plus a much faster Internet connection. Mobile broadband will use either the 2G, or 3G connection - whichever is available.

Network Signal Coverage Comparison, By Percentage of Population

Comparison made at April 2013.

2G Signal	3G Signal	4G Signal	Notes
99.8%	98%	50%	Uses Orange and T-Mobile networks for 2G and 3G. Coverage Stats Source
99%	93%	-	Uses Orange network for 2G. Coverage Stats Source
99%	80%	-
99%	93%	-	Customers can use T-Mobile network, too. Coverage Stats Source
99%	90%	-	Uses the Vodafone network.
99%	93%	-	Customers can use Orange network, too. Coverage Stats Source
99%	80%	-	Uses the Everything Everywhere (Orange & T-Mobile) network.
99%	80%	-	Coverage Stats Source
99%	80%	-	Uses Vodafone network. Coverage Stats Source
99%	93%	-	Uses T-Mobile network. Coverage Stats Source
99%	80%	-	Uses the O2 network. Coverage Stats Source
99%	90%	-	Uses the Vodafone network.
99%	80%	-	Uses the 02 network. Coverage Stats Source

So Which Network is Best for Me?

As you can see, 2G reception - mobile phone coverage that counts for normal calls - is difficult to compare by the figures. Every network boasts an extremely high percentage of the UK population. 3G (and fast mobile broadband) is easier - Three coverage is right up there, alonside Orange, and T-Mobile; they are well ahead in terms of 3G signal coverage.

However it's difficult to know whether reception is good where you need to use your phone or mobile broadband modem. A good way to find out is by using the signal checkers for each network. You can find links to those below - just click on a logo to go to that network's signal coverage map.