Can I get mobile broadband in my area?
With mobile broadband you’re free to take your internet access with you wherever you go – providing there’s coverage of course. And it’s because the availability of a strong signal is so important, it’s vital to check coverage before you buy.
How to check coverage
To help you make the right decision when buying mobile broadband we recommend checking coverage in your area via the buttons below.
Remember to check the availability of a good signal at any other places where you might want to access mobile broadband, such as your work address or holiday home.
The different types of mobile broadband
Mobile broadband technology has really come of age in the last few years as more and more internet-enabled phones and mobile devices have come to market, and as the mobile data networks have grown and evolved.
Today there are three standards for UK mobile internet access technology: 2G, 3G and the emerging 4G LTE.
2G
The 2G networks paved the way for the first combined mobile voice and data services in the UK, including GPRS and EDGE. Some providers still use a combination of 2G and 3G to provide calls and basic mobile internet access, while 3G customers will often be moved onto 2G networks in areas with low third generation coverage.
2G networks cover almost the whole of mainland UK, although the technology is inferior to more recent systems, with average reported download speeds of around 30Kbps.
3G
The launch of 3G mobile networks allowed for a much more complete browsing experience on phones and portable devices. With advertised speeds up to 7.2Mbps and typical speeds in the 1-3Mbps range consumers were able to access much richer content than ever before - although it still provided a less than seamless online experience, with buffering still a frequent problem when streaming video.
Today more than 97% of the UK’s population is covered by at least one 3G network.
4G
4G mobile broadband was officially launched in the UK during October 2012 following successful trials in Cornwall and Cumbria. The first cities to be brought online were Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Sheffield and Southampton, accounting for roughly 20 million people, or around a third of the UK population.
EE is aiming to bring Belfast, Derby, Hull, Newcastle and Nottingham online before the end of 2012, and by the end of 2014 it is intended that 98% of the UK population will live in areas with 4GEE coverage.
Depending on your location 4G mobile broadband will deliver speeds up to 40Mbps, although it is expected that actual speeds will fall in the 8-12Mbps range.
Depending on your location 4G mobile broadband will deliver speeds up to 40Mbps, although it is expected that actual speeds will fall in the 8-12Mbps range.
Click here to check 4GEE coverage in your area
Related guides
You might like to read our other mobile broadband guides as they contain more useful information and advice to help you make the right decision: