Ofcom Improved 4G And 5G Mobile Signal Coverage Checker Is Live Leave a comment
📡 Ofcom’s “Map Your Mobile” Update: What It Means and How to Check Signal Strength Like a Pro
Ofcom has launched a major upgrade to its mobile network coverage checker, now rebranded as “Map Your Mobile”, and available at ofcom.org.uk/mobile-coverage-checker. The new tool is designed to give consumers a clearer, more accurate picture of mobile signal availability across the UK—a valuable resource whether you’re shopping for a 4G/5G router, moving house, or setting up remote internet access for your business.
But what exactly has changed? And how can you go beyond this basic checker to truly understand mobile coverage and performance in your area? Let’s break it all down.
✨ What’s New with Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile?
- Improved Accuracy: The checker now uses 50m x 50m grid squares (down from 100m), delivering far more localised results.
- Updated Use Case Standards: Coverage definitions have been modernised to reflect realistic everyday tasks like HD video streaming, mobile browsing, and video calls.
- Refreshed Interface: Users can now view indoor and outdoor coverage levels across the four major UK networks (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three) with greater visual clarity.
- Integrated Data: The map blends operator-reported signal data with crowd-sourced measurements for more realistic performance estimates.
However, while the upgrade is welcome, Map Your Mobile currently only shows availability of coverage. It does not indicate download/upload speeds, latency, or the specific mobile technology (3G, 4G, or 5G) being used in each location.
🔍 What This Means for You
🏡 Indoor vs Outdoor Coverage
You’ll see whether each network offers reliable signal inside buildings or only outside. If indoor coverage is limited, it may be time to:
- Install a high-gain external antenna
- Place your router near a window
- Consider a dual-SIM failover solution with roaming SIMs
🌐 Network-by-Network Comparison
Map Your Mobile lets you compare networks side by side. If EE offers better indoor signal than Three in your postcode, you’ll want to prioritise EE-based SIMs or routers that support band locking or aggregation with EE-friendly bands.
❌ No Speed or Band Info
The tool does not indicate speed (Mbps), latency, or which bands (frequencies) are in use. For those details, you’ll need a deeper tool like CellMapper.
🌫️ Real-World Signal Obstacles
Ofcom highlights several factors that impact signal. Here they are with practical explanations:
- Hills & Terrain: Physical obstructions reduce line-of-sight. Use loft or rooftop antennas if you’re in a valley.
- Building Materials: Concrete, foil-backed insulation, and stone walls reduce signal strength dramatically. Routers near windows or antennas mounted outside can help.
- Trees & Weather: Water-logged leaves and heavy rain attenuate signal—especially for higher-frequency bands like 2600MHz or 3500MHz.
- Congestion: In busy urban areas or at peak times, networks slow due to user load. Routers with carrier aggregation or band steering mitigate this.
🛋️ Understanding Mobile Bands in the UK
If you’re serious about getting the best signal, you need to understand which frequency bands your network uses, and whether your router supports them.
| Band | Frequency (MHz) | Tech | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 20 | 800 | 4G LTE | Low-frequency, rural coverage, great penetration |
| Band 3 | 1800 | 4G LTE | Balanced speed/coverage; widely used |
| Band 1 | 2100 | 3G / 4G LTE | Transition band; used in urban areas |
| Band 7 | 2600 | 4G LTE | High-speed, short range; urban-centric |
| Band 8 | 900 | 3G / 4G LTE | Good indoor reach; slower speeds |
| Band 32 | 1452-1496 | LTE SDL | Supplemental downlink; only boosts downloads |
| Band 28 | 700 | 4G LTE | New rollout; long range, good indoor |
| n78 | 3400-3800 | 5G NR | UK’s main 5G band; high-speed, moderate range |
| n28 | 700 | 5G NR | Low-band 5G for broader coverage |
| n1 / n3 / n7 | Same as LTE bands | 5G NSA | Used with EN-DC (Non-Standalone 5G) |
📉 UK Network Band Summary
- EE: Bands 3, 7, 20, 1, 32 (4G), n78 (5G)
- Vodafone: Bands 20, 1, 3, 7 (4G), n78 (5G)
- O2: Bands 8, 20, 1, 3 (4G), n78 (5G)
- Three: Bands 1, 3, 20 (4G), n78 (5G)
Ensure your router supports the most relevant bands for your network. Many advanced models offer carrier aggregation, allowing simultaneous use of multiple bands for increased throughput.
🔍 Going Deeper: Use CellMapper to Locate Nearby Towers
While Map Your Mobile shows general coverage, CellMapper helps you find the actual towers, their direction, signal strength, and supported bands.
🔧 How to Use CellMapper (Desktop or App)
1. Desktop:
- Visit cellmapper.net/First_Time_Startup
- Select your country and network
- Navigate to your area or enter postcode
- Click on towers to view frequency bands, azimuth, and location
2. Android App:
- Download CellMapper from Play Store
- Enable location and data
- Walk or drive to map towers and signal metrics
- View real-time signal (RSRP, SINR) and serving bands
🏛 How to Use Tower Info
- Router Placement: Place the router or antenna on the side of your building facing the best tower
- Band Selection: Identify which bands are strongest and supported nearby, and make sure your SIM/router supports them
- Performance Tuning: Use the app to check signal metrics before and after antenna adjustments
📈 Final Thoughts
- Map Your Mobile is an excellent tool for basic coverage checks but lacks tower-level detail
- Use it to verify general indoor/outdoor signal quality across networks
- For deeper diagnostics, CellMapper helps identify nearby towers, supported bands, and signal strength
- Knowing which bands are used in your area lets you choose the right router and antennas for your needs
Want expert advice on the best router, antenna, or IoT SIM solution for your postcode? Contact our team at 3grouterstore.co.uk for tailored recommendations based on real-world signal data.
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