Mobile coverage in Worcestershire is worse than official coverage data suggests.
That’s what a county-wide survey of mobile connectivity has found.
Worcestershire County Council is calling for urgent action from Ofcom and the government to hold mobile networks accountable.
Adam Kent, deputy leader of Worcestershire County Council 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.
FRUSTRATION: Council research found mobile coverage in Worcestershire is worse than official figures suggest (Image: E-Furor/Getty)
“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.”
The council’s findings are based on a street-level mobile data survey, the UK’s largest, carried out using Streetwave monitoring technology.
READ MORE: ‘Lack of action’ over mobile blackspots in Worcester
The equipment was fitted to bin lorries to measure coverage across the county.
While Ofcom’s modelled data indicates that just 0.01 per cent of Worcestershire postcodes lack a usable mobile signal, the survey found that more than 10 per cent have no usable coverage.
The council believes poor connectivity is costing the county around £226 million each year through reduced productivity, disrupted communications and lost economic opportunities.
READ MORE: Poor mobile coverage causing ‘frustration and anger’
The council’s 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.
Councillor Kent said: “Reliable mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury.
“It is essential infrastructure that underpins our economy, public services and personal safety.
READ MORE: E-bike used to map mobile phone signal in Worcestershire
“Worcestershire has provided the evidence. There can be no more excuses, no more passing responsibility and no more delay.
“It is time for Government to intervene and ensure the mobile industry delivers the level of service that residents and businesses rightly expect.”
The council is urging residents and businesses to check their mobile coverage and report issues through its website to further strengthen the evidence base.
