Check coverage before you buy
The one check worth doing before you choose a network — and the three places you should test, not just your home postcode.
Price differences between networks are measured in pounds a month. A coverage difference is measured in whether your phone works. Check coverage first and shortlist on price second.
Key takeaways
- Check home, work and your commute — not just one postcode.
- Indoor coverage is usually weaker than the outdoor figure suggests.
- Ask colleagues and neighbours on each network for a real-world sanity check.
- Coverage should shortlist your networks; price and roaming pick the winner.
Price differences between networks are measured in pounds a month. A coverage difference is measured in whether your phone works. Check coverage first and shortlist on price second.
Key takeaways
- Check home, work and your commute — not just one postcode.
- Indoor coverage is usually weaker than the outdoor figure suggests.
- Ask colleagues and neighbours on each network for a real-world sanity check.
- Coverage should shortlist your networks; price and roaming pick the winner.
Where to check
Test at least three locations: where you sleep, where you work, and the route between them. A network that is excellent at home and unusable at the office is the wrong network, however good the price is.
Indoor vs outdoor
Coverage maps usually describe outdoor signal. Thick walls, basements, lifts and modern insulated glazing all reduce indoor signal, so treat a marginal outdoor result as a likely indoor problem.
Wi-Fi calling can bridge weak indoor signal where a device and plan support it, but it is a mitigation rather than a substitute for coverage.
If signal is poor after switching
Report it early. Coverage issues are easier to resolve inside the first weeks, and leaving later in the term means the pro rata early termination fee applies on a 24 month agreement, or the £30 cease fee inside 24 months of activation on a rolling plan.
Frequently asked questions
Which network has the best coverage?
There is no single answer — it depends on your postcode. Check the addresses you actually use rather than relying on a national claim.
Does a coverage check guarantee signal indoors?
No. Coverage indications generally reflect outdoor signal; buildings, basements and coated glass can all reduce it.
Can I leave if coverage is bad?
Leaving before the minimum term ends triggers the usual charges — the pro rata early termination fee on a 24 month agreement, or the £30 cease fee where a connection is disconnected within 24 months of activation. Raise coverage problems with support as early as possible.
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
Which network has the best coverage?
There is no single answer — it depends on your postcode. Check the addresses you actually use rather than relying on a national claim.
Does a coverage check guarantee signal indoors?
No. Coverage indications generally reflect outdoor signal; buildings, basements and coated glass can all reduce it.
Can I leave if coverage is bad?
Leaving before the minimum term ends triggers the usual charges — the pro rata early termination fee on a 24 month agreement, or the £30 cease fee where a connection is disconnected within 24 months of activation. Raise coverage problems with support as early as possible.
Deals mentioned in this guide
Prices include VAT and show the saving against the network’s own published price where a like-for-like plan exists.
O2 Unlimited
Unlimited streaming and tethering
Fixed for the full 24 month term
Compared against O2 direct, you save £192 over the 24 month term
That’s £8/month less than their £23 price for the same allowance.
Unlimited
Data
24 months
Contract
Vodafone Unlimited
Unlimited streaming and tethering
Fixed for the full 24 month term
Compared against Vodafone direct, you save £216 over the 24 month term
That’s £9/month less than their £26 price for the same allowance.
Unlimited
Data
24 months
Contract