Coverage

Mobile phones and other mobile devices need a network of base stations in order to work. Without base stations, there will be no mobile signal.

Across the UK 96% of people lived in postcode districts with at leave 90% 2G area coverage from one or more operators. This figure increases to 99% in England, but population coverage levels are lower in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which is a reflection of large areas of low population density and areas where hilly or mountainous terrain limits the range of cellular masts. *

In some areas, geographic or topographical, technological, economic factors, or the built environment may limit the availability of a mobile signal. There may be no signal at all, or only 2G, but not 3G, or the signal may be only partial or intermittent for individuals.

Operators are working with Ofcom and with other stakeholders to extend the benefits of mobile communications as widely as possible. However, lack of a signal can result from many different factors, and providing 100%, seamless mobile signal coverage across the UK is not technically feasible or economically viable.

Operators must invest in new infrastructure to improve capacity and maintain service to their existing customers, as well as addressing the demand to extend coverage to new areas.

In areas where their own network is unavailable, but coverage is provided by another network, mobile phone users can still call the emergency services, even though they cannot make a normal call.

* Source Ofcom: The Communications Market Report 2011