UK 4G mobile coverage has been uncovered as worse than Romania, Peru, Panama and Albania, according to research conducted by the National Infrastructure Commission.
Commission Chairman Andrew Adonis commented on the findings:
“Britain is 54th in the world for 4G coverage, and the typical user can only access 4G barely half the time.
“Our 4G network is worse than Romania and Albania, Panama and Peru. Our roads and railways can feel like digital deserts and even our city centres are plagued by not spots where connectivity is impossible.” Adonis continued.
“That isn’t just frustrating, it is increasingly holding British business back as more and more of our economy requires a connected workforce”, he continued.
Mr Adonis in particular highlighted train routes and roads as key areas where access to 4G can be severely reduced, and noted the damaging effects this could have upon the health of the UK economy and British businesses.
Whilst developing 5G capabilities is underway, the access will not become available until 2020. The commission emphasized the importance of developing the faster data access, to ensure the UK remains competitive.
“5G is the future – ultra-fast and ultra-reliable, it has the potential to change our lives and our economy in ways we cannot even imagine today. But the UK is currently languishing in the digital slow lane,” said Adonis.
In addition, the commission called on Ofcom, the independent communications regulator, to work together with mobile networks in order to enhance connectivity.
Last month, in the interest of protecting competition within the industry, Ofcom blocked EE and BT from obtaining more 4G range.
The National Infrastructure Commission was established last year by former Chancellor George Osborne, as an advisory organisation to assist the government with the development of key areas of UK infrastructure such as transport, telecommunications, energy and utilities.