Free tool reveals which mobile network is best for YOU based on where you live
Ofcom has unveiled a new "Map Your Mobile" checker which tells you how good 4G and 5G coverage is in your local area.
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You enter your postcode which draws up a map of which networks are available near you and which phone operator's network offers you the best performance.
Mobile phone users can find the new tool via ofcom.org.uk/mobile.
Ofcom said home movers can use the tool to suss out whether the coverage in an area they plan to move into is good enough.
It also said commuters can use it to figure out what network best suits them on the way in and home from work.
The checker features data based on previous customers' reviews on coverage in certain areas, combined with data from the major networks on how strong their signal is in selected zones.
Ofcom said at a local level, data from the major networks can be unreliable due to factors like the weather, or whether you're in a certain type of building or area.
Phone users will also be told how good coverage is down to a 50-square metre radius, equivalent to a postcode of up to 20 homes.
Ofcom said the checker will be updated with fresh data after its launch to improve the service for users.
Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: "In the crowded market of UK mobile networks, consumers need access to accurate mobile coverage and performance information to choose a plan that meets their needs and represents good value for money.
'Ofcom's new tool will help consumers make informed decisions with crowd-sourced data and predictive data from mobile network operators, which should increase the reliability of coverage information available to consumers.
'It's important that the tool continues to incorporate user feedback to stay relevant, accurate, and responsive to the changing needs of consumers."
Tom Luke, vice president at Opensignal, which helped make the tool with Ofcom, added: "Our partnership with Ofcom shifts the focus to real-world experience, using independent analysis of over 20million tests across the UK.
"By putting this data directly into consumers' hands, we're helping them make smarter choices about which network truly delivers consistent quality where they live and work."
There are other ways to check mobile phone internet coverage in your area, including for free via signalchecker.co.uk.
Which? also has a list of the major firms' mobile phone coverage checker tools available on its website.
Best and worst broadband and mobile phone providers
The launch of the new tool from Ofcom comes after the regulator last month unveiled the best and worst telecoms firms in 2024 based on customer satisfaction.
In terms of mobile phone providers, Tesco Mobile and giffgaff came out on top with overall scores of 94%.
Lebara came in third with a score of 91%, EE fourth with 90%, then Sky and Three in joint fifth with 87%.
At the bottom of the pack was O2 with 85% then Vodafone with 84%.
Tesco Mobile experienced the fewest complaints to Ofcom in 2024, with just four complaints per 100,000 customers.
However, Ofcom said that the average number of complaints reduced in 2024 across all providers.
Elsewhere, the average call waiting time for mobile customers decreased in 2024, from 2mins 24s in 2023 to 1min 52s in 2024.
CUT YOUR TELECOM COSTS
By James Flanders, Chief Consumer Reporter
Switching contracts is one of the single best ways to save money on your mobile, broadband and TV bills.
But if you can't switch mid-contract without facing a penalty, you'd be best to hold off until it's up for renewal.
But don't just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you're currently paying.
Take a look at your minutes and texts, as well as your data usage, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you're a heavy internet user, it's worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don't have to spend extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available.
It's a known fact that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, allowances and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
However, if you don't want to switch and are happy with the service you're getting under your current provider - haggle for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you're given after your deal.
If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time.
Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won't have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels.
It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers.
Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider.
If your provider won't haggle, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don't want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
It's also worth investigating social tariffs. These deals have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
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