Britain ranks lowest among G7 countries for mobile network performance, according to recent analysis that also places it behind 23 non-G7 European Union countries in a global comparison. The findings come from Opensignal’s Global Network Excellence Index, which evaluated key metrics such as network performance, download speeds, and service quality.

Globally, the United Kingdom was positioned 57th overall for network performance. It ranked 70th in download speeds and 55th for consistent quality, which encompasses factors essential for activities like video calls, streaming, and gaming. The results underscore ongoing challenges faced by mobile users in maintaining reliable connectivity.

The consumer advocacy group Which? highlighted these issues in its latest satisfaction survey, revealing that poor signal strength was the most frequently reported problem. More than one-third of respondents—38%—said they had experienced at least one service issue in the past year, including dropped connections and slow data.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, emphasized the importance of balancing cost with dependability in mobile services. "Getting a good-value mobile deal counts for very little if you’re constantly battling poor signal, slow data speeds or dropped connections," she stated. Hitchins called for coordinated efforts among the government, the communications regulator Ofcom, and the mobile industry to bolster investment, set realistic coverage targets, and eliminate obstacles that delay network enhancements.

The group pinpointed a key challenge as the current focus on coverage statistics rather than on delivering consistently reliable service to users. For example, Vodafone Three noted that over half of its network upgrade proposals require planning permission, even though 96% of these upgrades involve modifications to existing infrastructure. This regulatory hurdle is seen as a significant impediment to accelerating improvements.

The findings and calls for reform come amid growing demand for robust digital connectivity, particularly as more activities depend on stable mobile networks. The report underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to upgrading network infrastructure to meet consumer expectations in the UK and keep pace with international peers.