As with mobile phone reception, different 3g broadband providers can achieve different levels of signal strength in the same area. 3G Mobile Broadband works in a similar fashion to a mobile phone, communicating through the most readily available phone mast on the network. So the broadband coverage all depends on what your provider’s network capability is in your areas. For example, you may find in a rural area that you can access 02 but not Vodafone.
If you live in a remote area and are considering mobile broadband, it is important to check and compare the mobile broadband coverage maps published by the different mobile broadband providers:
- 3 Mobile mobile broadband coverage network map
The 3 Mobile network coverage map includes a postcode finder, so you can enter your postcode to see what level of coverage should be available in your area.
- O2 3G mobile broadband coverage network map
The recently updates 02 network coverage map is very detailed and even includes a mast location function (useful if you are setting up a directional antenna. One small point though - at the time of writing, the link through to the pop-up map is not particualrly intuitive - if your stuck, its the blue bar along the top that reads 'check the signal in your area'.
- T Mobile 3G mobile broadband coverage network map
The T mobile netowrk coverage map offers info on the suitability for three levels of use - 'Voice and text', 'Browsing,email and video' and 'Mobile Broadband'. If the data is accurate, then T-Mobile offers a relativly strong network for Northern Ireland when compared to other networks.
- Virgin Mobile 3G mobile broadband coverage network map
Virgins Network Coverage Map forces you indicate whether your are 'at home', 'at work' or 'out and about'. Enter a postcode and it will show you a localised map with the network coverage overlayed.
- Vodafone 3G mobile broadband coverage network map
Vodafone uses a postcode finder to help you find coverage in your area. The map is updated on a weekly basis so it should be reasonably accurate.
- Orange 3G mobile broadband coverage network map
Orange's network coverage map is very similar to T-Mobile's, including coverage for the different levels of usage ranging from voice and text right up to hi-speed browsing. This is not surprising given the fact that in September 2009, Orange and T-Mobile announced plans to merge together to become the uk's largest mobile phone company.
Virtual Networks
These links provide access to the mobile broadband coverage maps for the main mobile phone operators. There are also several virtual who use the infrastructure of the big players. The main players in the virtual network market are as follows:
| Provider | Provider | |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Mobile | Uses | T-Mobile |
| Tesco Mobile | Uses | 02 |
| Blyk | Uses | Orange |
| Vectone | Uses | T-Mobile |
| LycaMobile | Uses | Orange and 02, depending on certain factors |
| Fresh Mobile, Mobileworld and Talkmobile (The Carphone Warehouse) | Uses | T-Mobile |
| BT Mobile | Uses | Vodafone |
| ASDA Mobile | Uses | Vodafone |
| abica | Uses | 3, Orange, and T-Mobile |
| Giff Gaff | Uses | 02 |
| Family Mobile (IKEA) | Uses | T-Mobile |
Although providers will try to make their coverage maps as accurate as possible, the map should not be used as a ‘guarantee of service’. The map might show that you are in a strong reception area but if you happen to live in a hollow then you might be disappointed.
Ofcom published a document showing the broadband coverage maps for all providers as of January 2009 (a long time ago in the world of 3G). To download a pdf version of the ofcom report click here
All 3G provider networks should be strong in high-population density areas such as the big towns and cities – it is only really when you get out into ‘the sticks’ that the coverage level will vary by network provider. Having said that, each different provider offers different speeds and usage limits, generally speeds are in the region of 1.8Mb to 3.6Mb, although some providers are now claiming to offer up to 7.2Mb. Usage limits are typically around the 1-3Gb mark although one or two do offer greater than a 5Gb download allowance.
