How to check mobile signal in your area
Before choosing a business mobile provider, knowing which network offers the best signal in your area is essential. A mobile signal map shows you the actual coverage strength for each network — helping you avoid poor connectivity that could impact your business operations.
At Connection Technologies, we use independent Ofcom coverage data (not network-provided estimates) to recommend the right provider for your specific locations. Here is how you can check coverage yourself.
Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile tool
Ofcom launched its Map Your Mobile tool to give UK consumers and businesses an independent, crowd-sourced picture of mobile coverage. Unlike the coverage checkers provided by individual networks, Ofcom’s tool is based on real-world signal measurements collected from thousands of users across the country.
How to use Map Your Mobile
- Visit the Ofcom coverage page
- Enter your postcode or zoom into your area on the map
- View signal strength data for all four major UK networks
- Compare indoor and outdoor coverage
The tool shows you genuine user-reported signal quality rather than theoretical coverage predictions, making it far more reliable for business decisions.
Network coverage checkers
Each UK mobile network also provides its own signal mapping tool. While these tend to be more optimistic than Ofcom’s data, they are still useful for getting a general picture:
Vodafone coverage checker
Vodafone’s network status checker lets you search by postcode and shows 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage. It also displays planned network improvements for your area.
EE coverage checker
EE provides both outdoor and indoor coverage maps. As the UK’s largest 4G network, EE typically shows strong coverage in urban areas but can have gaps in rural locations.
O2 coverage checker
O2’s status checker shows coverage by technology type and includes planned outages. O2 also powers the MVNO networks giffgaff and Tesco Mobile.
Three coverage checker
Three’s coverage map highlights their 5G rollout areas alongside existing 4G coverage. Three has invested heavily in 5G infrastructure in major UK cities.
Understanding mobile signal strength
Mobile signal is measured in decibels (dBm). Here is what the numbers mean:
- -50 to -70 dBm — Excellent signal. Full bars, fast data speeds.
- -70 to -85 dBm — Good signal. Reliable for calls and data.
- -85 to -100 dBm — Fair signal. May experience slower data and occasional dropped calls.
- -100 to -110 dBm — Poor signal. Calls may drop, data will be very slow.
- Below -110 dBm — No usable signal.
You can check your current signal strength on most phones by going to Settings and looking for network or signal information.
What affects mobile signal in the UK?
Several factors influence the signal you receive at any given location:
- Distance from mast — The further you are from a cell tower, the weaker the signal
- Building materials — Thick walls, metal cladding, and energy-efficient glazing can block signal
- Terrain — Hills, valleys, and dense woodland reduce coverage
- Network congestion — Busy areas during peak times can experience slower speeds
- Weather — Heavy rain and atmospheric conditions can affect signal propagation
Improving mobile signal for your business
If your business premises suffer from poor mobile signal, there are several solutions:
Wi-Fi calling
Most modern business phones support Wi-Fi calling, which routes voice calls over your broadband connection when mobile signal is weak. All four major UK networks support this feature.
Signal boosters
Ofcom-approved signal boosters amplify the existing mobile signal within a building. They require a minimum outdoor signal to work with but can dramatically improve indoor coverage.
Multi-network SIMs
Some specialist providers offer SIM cards that can switch between networks to always use the strongest available signal. This can be particularly useful for field workers and delivery drivers.
Choosing the right network
The single most effective solution is choosing the network with the best coverage at your key business locations. This is where independent analysis — rather than relying on a single network’s claims — makes all the difference.
How Connection Technologies helps
As an independent business telecoms provider, we do not represent any single network. We analyse coverage data from Ofcom and all four major UK networks to recommend the provider that genuinely delivers the best signal where you need it.
Our process:
- Coverage analysis — We check signal data for your office, warehouse, branch locations, and key travel routes
- Network comparison — We compare real-world coverage, not marketing claims
- Recommendation — We suggest the best network (or mix of networks) for your specific situation
- Ongoing monitoring — We track network performance and can switch providers if coverage changes
Get a free business mobile quote and we will include a full coverage analysis for your business locations. Or read more about how we use Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile tool to help businesses.