Published: Tuesday 27th September 2016
UK communications watchdog Ofcom has called on 20 million Android users to build a map of UK mobile coverage.
UK communications watchdog Ofcom has called on 20 million Android users to build a map of UK mobile coverage.
Users are encouraged to download an application that automatically measures the reliability of voice calls, signal strength and data rate.
The data will be made anonymous, and will be part of a detailed comparative study of telecommunications operators in 2017.
There is no version of the iPhone because of its restrictions on applications that run constantly in the background.
"Our research aims to build an independent benchmark for both consumers and industry," said a representative of Ofcom.
"It will help mobile customers make purchasing and switching decision, and will be used to enhance Ofcom's mobile coverage maps and consumer research."
The initiative would be welcomed by consumers, said Matthew Howett, analyst at the research firm Ovum.
"Given the large volume of complaints Ofcom receives about coverage, for some consumers this type of initiative can't come soon enough," he said.
This article is a summary; the source article is at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37483300