How good is your 4G connection? Which? reveals speeds vary MASSIVELY across the UK
Middlesbrough residents are the most likely to be able to access 4G, while those in Stoke-on-Trent get the quickest 4G download speeds
MOBILE phone users face a postcode lottery when it comes to the 4G coverage and the speed at which they can surf the internet, new research shows.
Middlesbrough residents are the most likely to be able to access 4G, while those in Stoke-on-Trent get the quickest 4G download speeds - meaning they can browse online quicker.
Consumer group Which? worked with independent mobile coverage analyst OpenSignal to compare 20 of the biggest cities across the UK for 4G access and download speeds.
It found that mobile 4G connection "varies wildly" across the UK, with Middlesbrough the best city for 4G access, with just under 83 per cent availability, and Bournemouth the worst at 67.5 per cent.
Despite being the nation's capital, London came close to the bottom of the table at number 16, with only 73.6 per cent of mobile users in the city able to access 4G.
But it still managed to come above other big cities like Nottingham, Cardiff, Southampton and Bournemouth, while Glasgow and Edinburgh ranked higher, at 9th and 10th respectively.
MOST READ IN MONEY
The average overall 4G availability across the UK is 65 per cent, meaning mobile users can only access 4G around two-thirds of the time.
For 4G download speeds, Stoke-on-Trent was found to be the fastest city, with Brighton the slowest.
The OpenSignal study analysed more than 500 million data readings from mobile phones taken from more than 30,000 users between December 1 and February 28.
What is 4G?
Designed to replace 3G, 4G is the fourth generation in mobile communication.
It aims to deliver faster mobile broadband to UK consumers, allowing them to use social media, send e-mails and steam TV services quickly.
According to comparison site Cable.co.uk, EE has the most extensive 4G coverage in the country.
Alex Neill of Which? said: “These latest findings underline the need for Ofcom to keep the pressure on mobile operators, so that every part of the country gets a decent service on their mobile phone.
How to check the mobile phone coverage in your area
IF you want to check the signal strength in your area, , which has been produced by OpenSignal, shows the areas in the UK which have 2G, 3G and 4G signals, with red signalling the weakest signal, and green the strongest.
Simply enter your location in the search box and it'll tell you which network has the best signal in your area.
You can even find out the average upload and download speeds where you live and see which mobile provider has the most reliable signal.
The map is based on millions of real life signal readings, with data collected by users of the company's free Android and iPhone apps.
"Our mobile phone is central to how we live our lives and that is why it is so frustrating when we can’t access emails or browse the internet on the go.”
An Ofcom spokeswoman said: "We agree that mobile coverage must improve and understand the importance of having reliable mobile broadband, wherever people live and work.
"Ofcom rules mean that virtually all UK premises must receive a 4G signal by the end of this year."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 78 24516