WORCESTERSHIRE County Council have found that mobile connectivity across the county is significantly worse than official coverage data suggests.
The findings, gathered through the UK’s largest street-level mobile data collection survey and published last year, show that mobile coverage in Worcestershire is substantially poorer than modelled data indicates.
While Ofcom’s modelled data suggests that just 0.01 per cent of Worcestershire postcodes lack a usable mobile signal, the survey found that 10.03 per cent have no usable coverage, highlighting a significant gap between predicted coverage and the real experience of residents and businesses.
The research also highlights the impact of the UK’s 3G switch-off, particularly in rural areas, where communities have become increasingly reliant on weaker 4G and 5G signals.
Poor connectivity is estimated to cost Worcestershire around £226million each year through reduced productivity, disrupted communications and lost economic opportunities.
The Council continues to use this evidence in discussions with Ofcom, mobile network operators and Government, while encouraging residents and businesses to check their local coverage and report connectivity issues to strengthen the county’s evidence base.
Coun Adam Kent, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, corporate services and business said: “Residents and businesses across Worcestershire are being failed by the mobile network operators, and frankly the regulator has allowed it to happen.
“For far too long, coverage maps have painted a misleading picture that bears little resemblance to the daily reality experienced by people trying to make a phone call, run a business or contact emergency services.
“Our independent survey exposes the uncomfortable truth. Official statistics suggest almost everyone has adequate coverage, yet our real-world testing shows thousands of homes, businesses and communities are living with unreliable or non-existent mobile signals.
“That simply isn’t acceptable in 2026.”
