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The BBC has published the results of its UK 3G coverage survey, and the results, somewhat unsurprisingly, are pretty dismal. Those taking part in the survey were only able to grab a 3G signal 75 per cent of the time on average.
Despite operator claims that 90 per cent of the UK enjoys 3G coverage, those who took part in the survey had to rely on significantly slower 2G coverage for nearly a quarter of the time.
You can examine how your area — or anyone else’s for that matter — checks out by browsing the BBC’s interactive map.
In total, 44,600 people took part in the survey, and the Beeb reckons it harvested 1.7 million hours’ worth of data. The experiment was open to Android users, who were asked to download and install an app that monitored their signal. The app then sent back reports to a company called Epitiro, which made the software.
The app itself came under fire briefly due to concerns that it was guzzling battery juice. It was subsequently updated.
The results aren’t exactly conclusive, with data missing for many parts of the country. But they serve to highlight one simple fact — the UK is somewhat pants in terms of network coverage.
While we struggle to get decent 3G coverage, other countries, including the US, Sweden and Norway, are already enjoying the benefits of speedy 4G connectivity. It’s all rather embarrassing.
How’s the signal round your end? Let us know in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
