Recommendation 19

Ofcom is responsible for collecting and publishing data on mobile coverage. Ofcom’s coverage data are based on modelled estimates provided by the mobile network operators. Ofcom checks the modelled data by conducting sample tests using antennas attached to some of its vehicles.33 We showed the Department maps of 4G and 5G coverage across the country which are based on Ofcom’s reported coverage; the Department acknowledged that people’s experience of mobile coverage may be worse than what is reported by Ofcom.34 The Local Government Association also wrote to us with its concerns about the disconnect between the level of reported coverage and the real-life experience of residents, especially in rural areas.35 The Department said that local factors, such as trees, geography and the type of building materials used within premises, can mean people experience worse coverage than Ofcom reports.36