How Ofcom measures mobile coverage

The predicted mobile signal in your report comes from Ofcom's mobile coverage data. Each network is rated on Ofcom's own scale, which blends 4G and 5G into a single rating per network, shown here in Ofcom's own words.

Good in-home and outdoor — likely a good signal both inside the property and outside.

Variable in-home, good outdoor — reliable outdoors, but the indoor signal may vary room to room.

Good (outdoor only) — reliable outdoors; indoor coverage is not predicted.

Variable (outdoor only) — the outdoor signal may vary; indoor coverage is not predicted.

Poor to none (outdoor only) — little to no signal predicted.

Mobile coverage availability

The data displayed on mobile coverage availability uses source data made available by Ofcom which is based on data from the mobile operators about how strong they think signal levels are at every location in the UK. Each mobile operator has a slightly different approach to displaying coverage on its own map, including assumptions on the handsets used, levels of call reliability and the expected signal loss when indoors or in car. Because Ofcom brings all mobile operator data together in a single place and holds it to a single, independent standard, the mobile coverage availability information above may display different levels of coverage than those seen on the operators' websites. We would therefore recommend you also check the mobile provider's coverage checker. Mobile coverage data is created by coverage modelling, and since this is based on computer predictions is not error free.

Ofcom update the source data periodically and the mobile network operators update theirs, so at times the maps may be based on slightly different data and show different coverage. Test your own handset inside the property before you rely on it, and check the exact address on Ofcom's coverage checker.

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