BBC unveils crowd-sourced 3G coverage map

BBC unveils crowd-sourced 3G coverage map
The UK's 3G - patchy

The results of the BBC's survey of 3G data across the UK are in, and the resulting map paints a patchy Pollock-esque picture for many of us.

44,600 volunteers took part in the survey, using an Android app to send around 1.7 million hours of data back to the testing firm Epitiro, covering 42 million locations across the British Isles.

The research shows that it's not just rural areas which often miss out on the higher speeds of 3G mobile data, with significant areas of towns and cities joining the roster of 'not spots' struggling by with 2G and lower.

Don't even get us started on 4G

The interactive map shows that the centre of London was well covered, showing that the epicentre of the capital enjoys robust 3G, but also revealing an impossible-to-ignore smattering of 2G coverage and even two black spots.

Head out into the West Country or any other less densely populated area of the country, however, and it becomes a predominantly 2G-covered affair with clusters of 3G only percolating around cities and suburbs.

Overall, the BBC reckons that we're getting 3G about 75 per cent of the time, but that 3G coverage in general is far patchier than mobile networks have led consumers to believe.

Although it's not perfect research with many areas not actually providing any results, it provides an interesting overview of the nation's mobile data.

Are you surprised to find that 3G isn't as prevalent as it should be? Let us know in the comments below!

From the BBC

News Editor (UK)

Former UK News Editor for TechRadar, it was a perpetual challenge among the TechRadar staff to send Kate (Twitter, Google+) a link to something interesting on the internet that she hasn't already seen. As TechRadar's News Editor (UK), she was constantly on the hunt for top news and intriguing stories to feed your gadget lust. Kate now enjoys life as a renowned music critic – her words can be found in the i Paper, Guardian, GQ, Metro, Evening Standard and Time Out, and she's also the author of 'Amy Winehouse', a biography of the soul star.

Latest in Phones
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Man using iMessage on an iPhone
Apple will finally enable encrypted RCS messages between iOS and Android, and it's about time
Apple iPhone 16 Pro on sky blue background with don't miss text overlay
Verizon has just quietly debuted its best iPhone 16 Pro deal yet - get it for free alongside a plan that costs just $25/mo
Android 16 logo on a phone
Android 16 Beta 3 has arrived – here are the 4 features I think will be the most useful
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over