Mobile Coverage

Steve · Aug 24, 2011, 07:30:16

Results of a survey conducted by the BBC in July looking at 3G coverage. Android users were asked to download and app and the coverage has been mapped. Some may find it useful.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14582499

Gary · Aug 24, 2011, 07:36:55

I guess no one with an android phone lives in our road on O2 then $:-\$

Steve · Aug 24, 2011, 07:39:03

Or they've driven past. It looks like that for me as the adjacent main trunk road has the data. It's bound to be hit and miss as it relies on Android users having downloaded the app.

Glenn · Aug 24, 2011, 07:49:57

The page won't load for me

Steve · Aug 24, 2011, 07:53:31

I think the link is correct Glenn, the front page is here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14574816

Glenn · Aug 24, 2011, 07:59:44

Steve, the page loaded, just the searchable map sat at the loading screen.

Steve · Aug 24, 2011, 08:08:06

I get the same Glenn, if I ask my browser to mimic IE7 and Opera 11, Safari and FF4(slow) seem to work for me. How odd.

Glenn · Aug 24, 2011, 08:32:33

Works in IE6 but not FF6.

It's strange, there is an Orange 3G mast within 1/2 mile of my home, according to the map, along the road near it (+ or - 400yds) there is no coverage.

Steve · Aug 24, 2011, 08:38:55

I guess no one with the app running on Orange has been there. So conclusion - Patchy 3G coverage is made even more patchy by BBC survey

Ray · Aug 24, 2011, 08:48:48

There's nothing near where I live either, but if drive about 3 miles and stand in the middle of the M1 I'd get excellent coverage.

Glenn · Aug 24, 2011, 08:51:52

You have to be hopping over the cars, Ray.

Rik · Aug 24, 2011, 09:12:53

Quote from: Ray on Aug 24, 2011, 08:48:48
There's nothing near where I live either, but if drive about 3 miles and stand in the middle of the M1 I'd get excellent coverage.

I suspect you'd cover all three lanes in no time, Ray.

Ray · Aug 24, 2011, 09:20:43

Indeed, Rik,

Simon · Aug 24, 2011, 11:30:41

The map works for me, and is actually pretty accurate. I can't get 3G at home, but a mile down the road, it's quite good coverage.

.Griff. · Aug 24, 2011, 14:17:56

Quote from: Glenn on Aug 24, 2011, 08:32:33
Works in IE6 but not FF6.

Works for me in FF6?

Glenn · Aug 24, 2011, 14:30:58

Works for me in FF6 now too, Griff, it didn't this morning.

.Griff. · Aug 24, 2011, 14:32:15

Quote from: Glenn on Aug 24, 2011, 14:30:58
Works for me in FF6 now too, Griff, it didn't this morning.

Aah that explains it Glenn

Lance · Aug 24, 2011, 15:53:17

I would like to see the survey extended, and maybe an iphone app too, to make it more comprehensive and accurate.

zappaDPJ · Aug 24, 2011, 17:07:10

Quote from: Lance on Aug 24, 2011, 15:53:17
I would like to see the survey extended, and maybe an iphone app too, to make it more comprehensive and accurate.

I agree. It appears to show that the coverage from all providers in my area of London is really poor or non-existent which is in line with my experience. Conversely it shows blanket coverage in many rural areas which again is close to what I've experienced. I'm quite surprised at how little coverage there is in some areas of london.