Factcheck LedgerReceipts, not verdicts

How good is 4G and 5G mobile coverage in the UK?

The government says its Shared Rural Network, built with the mobile operators, put over 95% of the UK within range of a 4G signal by mid-2025, a year ahead of schedule, as reported in its programme update. The remaining work focuses on total not-spots with no signal from any operator.

The detailed official figures are in Ofcom's Connected Nations report, which gives 4G and 5G coverage by landmass and by premises, from at least one operator and from all four, for each UK nation. Coverage from all four networks is much lower than from at least one, especially in Scotland and Wales.

Coverage figures are predictions from operators' network models rather than measured experience, and outdoor coverage is higher than indoor. Landmass and premises measures also give very different results. To check a postcode, see Ofcom's checker.

Official sources: Ofcom Connected Nations 2025 UK report · DSIT: Shared Rural Network update · Ofcom Connected Nations and infrastructure reports

Related questions

This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about broadband, mobile and online safety: all Broadband, mobile and online safety questions.

Email alerts and the weekly newsletter

We'll ask you to confirm first. Every email has an unsubscribe link, and unsubscribing deletes your address. Privacy.