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Maximise your mobile coverage - Ofcom guide

Last Friday the communications regulator Ofcom pubished a new consumer guide that can help you maximise your mobile coverage. The guide explains what practical steps you can take to maximise your mobile coverage and make sure you’re not left without a signal.

Maximising your mobile coverage - new Ofcom guide

The guide advises you to be aware of the following: 

Postcode checkers

All operators have online postcode checkers which give an indication of voice and text (or 2G) and mobile broadband (or 3G) coverage. Before choosing a service, use the postcode checker to get an idea of what coverage you’ll get in your area.

Returns policy

Check the terms and conditions on your rights to cancel before buying.

Try before you buy

Using SIM-only or pay-as-you-go, you could try out different providers.

Improve indoor coverage

You can improve indoor coverage using a fixed broadband connection by:

  • using a small router-like device called a 'femtocell' which boosts mobile coverage
  • routing calls and mobile data via your home Wi-Fi network, if your phone allows this

You can download your PDF copy of the guide by following the link below.

Mobile not-spots - Ofcom research

Ofcom has also published initial research into areas of the UK without a mobile signal, or mobile 'not-spots'. You can find out more by following the link below. 

Facing the Future...find out more