Everyone using O2, EE, Vodafone and Three must check their postcode immediately
Anyone with a smartphone in their pocket would be wise to head to a new service from Ofcom - called Map Your Mobile - and punch in their postcode. This latest update from the UK telecoms regulator is aimed at showing consumers which UK networks have the best signal in their local area.
According to Ofcom, millions could be missing out on better data and call performance by not using the best mobile firm for the location where they spend the most time.
Map Your Mobile is now the most comprehensive tool for comparing mobile coverage and performance across Britain.
Once a postcode is entered, a map appears showing which operator's network gives the best performance.
Explaining more, Natalie Black, Ofcom's Group Director for Networks and Communications, said: 'Map Your Mobile shows detailed coverage and performance based on what smartphones need today. Put in your postcode and find out which mobile network is right for you.'
Along with showing how things are performing at home, Ofcom hopes people will also check their work address and route to the office.
If a rival network appears to be better then it could be time to switch.
Ofcom says its new checker includes crowdsourced data from Opensignal that is based on people's real experiences, as well as predictive data from the UK's mobile operators.
People increasingly need a highly reliable service for data-hungry activities such as gaming, streaming videos and working on the move. This means the new checker gives different results than the previous tool, but more accurately reflects users' modern needs.
"Access to fast and reliable mobile coverage is essential for delivering the change our country needs to thrive and boost economic growth," said Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant.
"For too long there has been a frustrating gap between coverage reports and the real signal people experience in their daily lives.
'This new tool provides consumers with accurate, postcode-level information so they have the power to choose the network that works where they need it most - whether at home, work or on their commute. It is fantastic to see this practical step being implemented to improve connectivity for everybody across the nation."
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