A recent study conducted by Which? found that just one-fifth of constituencies across the UK had full 4G coverage from the ‘big four’ mobile networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodaphone). Meaning that 524 of 650 (80%) parliamentary constituencies didn’t have full access to 4G coverage from all four major operators in total.
Which? found that only 67% of the UK’s geographical area has 4G coverage from all four operators, which is far from the government’s target to extend 4G coverage to 95% by 2022. 8% of the UK still have no access to 4G coverage at all.
Rural areas around Wales and Scotland were the worst affected. Wales saw 20% of constituencies affected by low coverage, while Scotland saw 25% of constituencies affected.
Scotland
Rural Scotland was the hardest hit, particularly areas in the West and North West.
Ross, Skye and Lochaber currently receive less than 14% coverage from EE, O2, Three or Vodaphone. Argyll and Bute were a close runner up and received just 15% of coverage.
Only three constituencies – Aberdeen North, Glasgow North West and Glasgow South West – were found to receive full 4G coverage.
Wales
Wales faired better than Scotland, with constituencies on the lower end reaching on average 41-55% 4G Coverage. While Dwyfor Meirionnydd reaching only had a 36.64% coverage rate.
Wales saw one constituency (Cardiff Central) receive 100% coverage from all four providers. While close to one-quarter of Wales constituencies received less than 53% of coverage.
England
England fared the best with just two constituencies in the South of England with less than 55% coverage from EE, O2, Three and Vodaphone. Torridge and West Devon had 54% coverage, while Bridgwater and West Somerset received just 44% coverage from the big four.
The North of England’s coverage was worse, with Westmoreland and Lonsdale reaching 54%, Penrith and The Border reaching 52% and Copeland reaching just 39% coverage.
Caroline Normand, Which? director of advocacy, said:
‘Millions of people are finding it difficult to get a reliable mobile connection and risk missing out on digital services we increasingly rely on – such as online banking, maps and NHS information – while some even struggle to receive important calls and messages.’
‘To tackle this unacceptable and widening digital divide, the government must act now to connect the UK with truly comprehensive mobile and broadband by swiftly putting in place a plan to give communities the infrastructure they need.’