OFCOM Maps 3G Coverage
OFCOM has published predicted coverage maps for each of the UK’s five 3G mobile operators. These are predictions based on propagation models and show areas where an outdoor 3G signal exceeds a minimum threshold signal strength for “50% of locations and 50% of the time”. OFCOM acknowledge that the network operators have more sophisticated models that are liklely to be more accurate.
Given the definition of coverage it is quite possible that an individual user will live in an area defined to have coverage and find that it only works outside a building or only works 50% of the time, so the value of the maps is somewhat limited. They do however give a comparison of operators and a feel for the national coverage – which is actually quite limited in Wales, Scotland, East Anglia and the South West.
Three have the widest coverage, no doubt because they are a 3G service using 3G for voice and video as well as broadband access. Orange is the most widespread of the other four operators :-
Tags: 3G, coverage, Mobile Broadband
Category: Broadband Availability, Mobile Broadband
July 12th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Yet another load of cobblers from our soon to be axed quango. half of the time is as bad as none of the time. In fact it is worse.