It is similar to the handful of other websites that try to pull in mobile coverage map data from the four UK mobile phone network operators, but provides a useful (if somewhat inaccurate) measure of what to expect from each of the four network operators.
Since it uses the network's own biased, frequently inaccurate and often misleading data maps, it still has to be taken with a generous pinch of salt - But this is a very positive step in the right direction and I am very pleased to see that OFCOM are using this to challenge the network's misinformation that 99% coverage of the UK population is 99% of the UK's land mass - There are thousands of square miles in the UK where you will struggle to get even a 2G signal on most networks.
Much like the rural broadband argument, there are communities who struggle with a poor or nonexistent mobile signal, and the networks refuse to install more masts due to the cost vs. benefit (i.e. enough subscribers to make money from phone contracts in a given area).
The mobile network operators should be more aware of the need to provide a service (which their customers are already paying for) when they travel through and visit these mobile "not-spots".
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, complained last Chrsitmas when he was on holiday in Cornwall and couldn't call his mate President Barack Obama.
At the time, he threw down the gauntlet to the mobile networks and insisted that they work together to provide roaming onto each other's networks and get rid of these mobile "not-spots", but the networks replied by saying that it was too expensive and they would have to charge everyone so much more to cover the costs.
So, all this comes at a good time for the networks to launch an offensive on each other's poor coverage. Three have already fired the first shot:
Three's #makeitright campaign tries to dispel the myth that their network has improved, and isn't as flaky as it was a few years ago. Unfortunately Three, your network still doesn't "make it right" - There are plenty of places where you can just about get mobile data, but try to make a call of send a text and you're out of luck.
The launch of this service from OFCOM is detailed in their page HERE.
OFCOM are asking for feedback about this service, as they quite rightly feel that many maps omit data which affects real-world use; i.e. topographical data where there is an area affected by a hill or some other feature which obscures the signal.
Users can submit feedback on maps in any given area, which OFCOM will review. This will hopefully, one day, be used to create accurate coverage maps for the whole of the UK.
If you like (or more likely detest) your mobile coverage at home, work or other frequently visited place, get your voice heard by sending your feedback
Here are some key points from OFCOM's website:
Each area has been ranked with a colour-coded system, with green showing the highest likelihood of mobile coverage and red the lowest. The map shows:
- Voice and data coverage by mobile operator;
- coverage inside and outside of buildings; and
- topographical information allowing users to identify areas where there are natural obstructions to coverage, such as valleys and hills.
Helping to improve mobile coverage and quality of service are priority areas for Ofcom. The new map is designed to support consumers in choosing a service that best suits their needs, while promoting competition between mobile operators.
Ofcom is inviting users to check their coverage experience and leave feedback, which will help refine and improve the tool, with a new version expected in the autumn.
I really would recommend that people look through these coverage maps and report any discrepancies to OFCOM (the process is simple, quick and easy with a well laid-out web form).
The networks are all too keen to report that the network in your area is "good", when in actual fact it's really not.
If you can't get a decent mobile signal inside your house, local pub or workplace, use OFCOM's reporting system to highlight this - You'll be helping OFCOM, but most importantly you'll be helping everyone who struggles with the networks' assumptions that they are doing a great job in providing coverage everywhere.
On a personal note, EE stands for Everything Everywhere, yet I can't get Anything Anywhere.
Three, on the other hand stick to their own coverage maps and will swear that "You are in a good coverage area", when you're almost unable to even call them from your Three handset.
We are customers. We pay the networks for a service which is frequently below par. Use OFCOM's reporting system to help yourselves and others, but if you are switching networks, look at OFCOM's coverage maps by all means, but try out a PAYG SIM before you commit yourself.
I really would recommend that people look through these coverage maps and report any discrepancies to OFCOM (the process is simple, quick and easy with a well laid-out web form).
The networks are all too keen to report that the network in your area is "good", when in actual fact it's really not.
If you can't get a decent mobile signal inside your house, local pub or workplace, use OFCOM's reporting system to highlight this - You'll be helping OFCOM, but most importantly you'll be helping everyone who struggles with the networks' assumptions that they are doing a great job in providing coverage everywhere.
On a personal note, EE stands for Everything Everywhere, yet I can't get Anything Anywhere.
Three, on the other hand stick to their own coverage maps and will swear that "You are in a good coverage area", when you're almost unable to even call them from your Three handset.
We are customers. We pay the networks for a service which is frequently below par. Use OFCOM's reporting system to help yourselves and others, but if you are switching networks, look at OFCOM's coverage maps by all means, but try out a PAYG SIM before you commit yourself.
