A mobile network is only useful if you can get a good signal.
So, before choosing a provider, check the places where you actually use your phone.
Check Your Coverage
Start with the places that matter most.
For example:
- home
- work
- school or college
- regular journeys
- places you often visit
One network may work well at home but poorly at work.
So, there is no single best network for everyone.
Use a Coverage Checker
Coverage checkers show the signal you are likely to receive in an area.
Ofcom has a free mobile coverage checker called Map Your Mobile.
Enter a postcode to compare networks.
It can show predicted:
- 4G coverage
- 5G coverage
- indoor coverage
- outdoor coverage
It also gives information about mobile performance in the wider area.
Check your mobile coverage with Ofcom →
Coverage Is Not Guaranteed
A coverage map is a useful guide.
However, it cannot tell you exactly what will happen everywhere.
Your signal can be affected by:
- distance from a mobile mast
- hills
- trees
- buildings
- thick walls
- where you are inside a building
- how busy the network is
- your phone
So, use the coverage checker as a starting point.
Your own experience matters too.
Indoor and Outdoor Coverage
You may have a good signal outside but a poor one inside.
Buildings can weaken mobile signals.
For example, thick walls and some windows can make it harder for the signal to reach your phone.
This is why you should check indoor coverage as well as outdoor coverage.
What Is 5G?
5G is a newer type of mobile network.
It can provide faster data and allow more devices to use the network.
However, that does not mean you need it.
A good 4G connection can already handle many everyday tasks.
These include:
- web browsing
- messaging
- maps
- music
- social media
- video
So, do not pay more for 5G unless it gives you something useful.
Is 5G Always Faster?
No.
Seeing 5G on your phone does not guarantee a very fast connection.
Your actual speed can depend on:
- signal strength
- where you are
- the network
- how busy it is
- your phone
- the type of 5G available
A strong 4G connection may sometimes work better than a weak 5G connection.
Do You Need a 5G Phone?
You need a phone that supports 5G to use a 5G service.
However, you do not necessarily need to replace a good 4G phone.
Ask yourself:
Is my current phone doing what I need?
If it is, there may be little reason to replace it just to get 5G.
Poor Signal at Home?
First, check whether the problem is mainly indoors.
Try your phone:
- outside
- near a window
- upstairs
- in different rooms
If the signal is much better outside, the building may be weakening it.
Try Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi calling can help if your mobile signal is poor indoors but your broadband works well.
It lets a compatible phone use your Wi-Fi connection for calls.
Support depends on your phone and provider.
So, check that Wi-Fi calling is available and switched on.
Is There an Outage?
A sudden loss of service does not always mean your normal coverage is poor.
There could be:
- a network fault
- maintenance
- a problem with a local mast
Check your provider’s network status before changing anything.
Coverage maps normally show expected coverage. They do not necessarily show a current fault.
Could Your Phone Be the Problem?
Yes.
If other people on the same network have a good signal but you do not, check your phone.
Try:
- restarting it
- turning airplane mode on and off
- checking mobile data is on
- checking the SIM
- checking for phone updates
Also try your phone somewhere else.
This can help you work out whether the problem is the phone, the location or the network.
Before You Switch Network
Use this order:
- Check coverage at home.
- Check coverage at work.
- Check other important places.
- Compare indoor and outdoor coverage.
- Think about whether you need 5G.
- Check your current phone will work.
- Then compare prices and plans.
Do not start with the cheapest deal.
Start with the network that works where you need it.
Key Points
- Mobile coverage varies by location.
- Check indoor as well as outdoor coverage.
- 5G is not automatically better for you.
- A good 4G connection may be all you need.
- Check coverage before choosing a mobile deal.
Find the network that works where you use your phone.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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