Mobile connectivity feedback
If you've experienced problems with mobile signal or coverage in Leicestershire, please complete our Mobile connectivity survey.
Your feedback will help us explore how connectivity across the county can be improved.
Mobile coverage
You can use Ofcom's broadband and mobile coverage checker to see which mobile networks are the strongest in your area.
Ofcom also has advice on improving your indoor coverage and setting up WiFi calling
Please contact the Digital Leicestershire team for any queries relating to mobile coverage in Leicestershire.
Mobile services and products
- 1G: The first mobile network using analogue signals for calls. This is no longer in use.
- 2G: Supports calls, texts, and basic data. 2G works with all mobile phones, but will be phased out by 2033.
- 3G: Supports calls, texts, and mobile broadband. Most networks have now retired their 3G services.
- 4G: The current standard, offering fast internet speeds (up to 300Mbps). Some older phones may need upgrading to access 4G.
- 5G: The latest technology, delivering ultra-fast speeds and improved performance. 5G is available on most newer smartphones.
- Airtime: Your monthly allowance of minutes for calls through your mobile phone contract.
- SIM-only: A contract that includes just a SIM card and an amount of monthly usage.
- SIM-free: A phone bought without a SIM card or contract. It’s unlocked, so you can choose any network.
2G and 3G network switch off
The UK’s mobile operators are gradually switching off their 2G and 3G networks, and all mobile providers have confirmed with the UK Government that they don't intend to offer 2G or 3G services beyond 2033. This will help repurpose their radio frequencies for faster, more efficient and reliable services such as 4G and 5G.
Timelines
| Network provider | 3G switch off | 2G switch off |
|---|---|---|
| EE | Completed in 2024 | May 2029 |
| Virgin Media O2 | 2025-2026 | No switch off date |
| Vodafone | Completed in 2024 | 2030 |
| Three | Completed in 2025 | No coverage |
Virtual networks that operate off the main 4 mobile network operators, such as Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Smarty, will follow the schedules of their parent networks.
Travelling abroad
The switch off is happening in other parts of the world and if you are travelling to a country where the switch off has already begun, it might affect your roaming experience.
You may not be able to make phone calls or access data unless you are connected to WiFi and, in rare cases, it may impact your ability to make calls to emergency services.
Please speak to your provider before travelling outside of the UK.
After the switch off
Your mobile network provider will tell you if you are affected and what steps to take. If you have a 3G or 2G only device, you will need to upgrade to a more modern one that allows you to use 4G or 5G.
5G network
5G is a wireless technology, much faster than previous network generations. 5G also offers:
- a more consistent experience in congested areas with a very high number of devices
- industrial applications, enabling businesses to improve their productivity, for example through predictive maintenance and real-time analytics
- Internet of Things (IoT) services, many of which will help councils and businesses deliver services more efficiently including:
- transport and logistics: connected parcels and fleet tracking
- health and social care
- environmental monitoring: sensors monitoring air quality and water pollution in real-time
- smart agriculture and smart animal farming, smart retailing
- connected and autonomous cars: allowing cars to communicate with each other, other road users and even the road infrastructure