The UK's mobile internet coverage is a shadow of that enjoyed in other developed nations, according to a damning analysis by consumer group Which?. The study reveals the country lags behind European and G7 peers on crucial metrics such as network performance and download speeds, despite boasting some of the cheapest mobile costs in the world.
Specifically, the UK ranks 57th globally for overall network performance, with its download speeds languishing at a paltry 70th place. The country also fares poorly when it comes to consistent quality required for everyday digital activities like video calls, streaming, and online gaming – sitting at a disappointing 55th.
A staggering third of UK mobile customers have reported problems with their service in the past year, citing issues such as dropped connections and woefully slow speeds. This highlights the disconnect between competitive pricing and actual user experience – despite Brits paying some of the lowest prices for mobile services in Europe, they're often left struggling to access reliable coverage.
According to Ofcom, 4G network coverage across all UK operators has ticked up by three percentage points to 84% in the last year. However, 5G speeds remain woefully underdeveloped, with just 64% of areas benefiting from this faster mobile internet technology – leaving many rural communities without access to essential connectivity.
Natalie Hitchins, Which?'s Head of Home Products and Services, has called on government, Ofcom, and the industry to collaborate on improving investment, ensuring coverage targets reflect real-world performance, and streamlining upgrades by addressing barriers such as planning rules and landowner disputes. The group also highlighted the poor mobile signal experienced by passengers on Britain's railways – a problem it says is worse than in countries like Germany, where minimum download speeds are guaranteed along main railway lines.