UK operator coverage checkers
| Operator | URL | Data provided | 4G / 5G / NB-IoT |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | coverage.three.co.uk | 2G, 4G, 5G, indoor/outdoor | Yes / Yes / Yes |
| Vodafone | network.vodafone.co.uk | 2G, 4G, 5G | Yes / Yes / Yes |
| Three | coverage.three.co.uk | 3G, 4G, 5G | Yes / Yes / No |
| O2 | www.o2.co.uk/coveragechecker | 2G, 4G, 5G | Yes / Yes / No |
Ofcom Connected Nations
Ofcom publishes an annual Connected Nations report and interactive coverage map showing 4G and 5G coverage from all UK operators. The dataset is useful for understanding coverage at a strategic level and for comparing operator coverage in specific UK regions. Available at checker.ofcom.org.uk.
Limitations of coverage maps
All operator coverage maps are predictions based on modelled propagation, not measured signal. They typically assume outdoor signal at street level. They do not account for: building material attenuation, local terrain obstructions, antenna height differences, or the specific hardware characteristics of the device being installed. A site showing “good 4G coverage” on an operator map may show only -108 dBm RSRP at the router location inside the building — below the threshold for reliable IoT operation without an external antenna.
Use coverage maps for initial site qualification and operator shortlisting. Use CellTester for commissioning-grade signal data.