To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to verify mobile network operators' claims of signal coverage; what metric is used; and in particular what steps they are taking to verify that the ability to receive SMS messages is not classed as coverage despite there being insufficient signal for voice calls.
The regulator, Ofcom, is responsible for reporting on mobile network coverage across the UK. Mobile coverage data is provided in their Connected Nations reporting, alongside their Map Your Mobile tool, launched in June 2025.
Ofcom models mobile coverage using predicted received signal strength rather than by voice or SMS availability. Information on the methodology used to determine coverage levels is included in Ofcom’s methodology documentation, published alongside both the Connected Nations report and the Map Your Mobile tool. Both are available at the following links:
In the Statement of Strategic Priorities for Telecommunications, the Management of Radio Spectrum, and Postal Services, the Government reiterated the importance of continuing to improve reporting of mobile coverage. The Government will work closely with Ofcom to explore the use of measured and crowdsourced data, and keep the definitions of “good” 4G and 5G under review to ensure they reflect evolving consumer and business expectations.
Answered on 6 Jul 2026