Ofcom launches mobile coverage checker

Ofcom has launched its own mobile coverage checker, allowing you to find out where you have signal, whether you are indoors or outdoors.

The online tool enables anyone, whatever network they use, to find out the quality of the phone signal where they live, in their place of work or areas they may be visiting in order to choose the best network for them.

Ofcom's mobile coverage checker allows users to add information about data speeds where they use their phones in addition to the mapping data provided by EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.

"Access to reliable mobile phone coverage used to be a 'nice to have'. Now it's essential to many people's lives," Steve Unger, Ofcom's Chief Technology Officer, said. "We believe our map is the most comprehensive tool available to consumers and businesses to check mobile coverage. We're encouraging people to feed back after using the map, so we can continue to improve its accuracy."

Ofcom said its tool is a response to demands from consumers who want to make their choice of mobile provider based on the service they will receive at home and at work. Consumers expect a reliable service, it said and as people increasingly move to using less-effective smartphones with internal aerials, it is important Ofcom ensures they can make an educated decision about which network to go with.

Each area on the map is ranked according to how strong the signal is and is colour coded to make the difference in strength clear to see.

The map shows information including voice and data services, coverage in buildings and topographical information where there may be natural obstructions such as valleys or hills.