01
Coverage checker
Enter any UK postcode to instantly see ranked coverage scores for EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 — covering 5G, 4G and 3G across more than 1.8 million postcodes.
About NetScan UK
A free, open-source utility that finds the best mobile network operator for any UK postcode — using transparent methodology backed by official Ofcom data.
What is NetScan UK?
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Deal finder
Once the best operator for your area is identified, NetScan UK surfaces current phone contract deals from that operator so you can compare monthly cost, data allowance and handset options.
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Free & open source
No registration. No tracking cookies. No affiliate paywalls. The source code is available for review. Analytics are privacy-first via Plausible — no personal data is collected.
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UK-only focus
NetScan UK focuses exclusively on Great Britain and Northern Ireland, using UK-specific Ofcom data and the four UK-licensed mobile network operators: EE, Vodafone, Three and O2.
Coverage Score Methodology
NetScan UK does not conduct its own signal measurements. Coverage scores are derived entirely from Ofcom Connected Nations 2024, the UK's most comprehensive independent assessment of mobile network coverage. Published annually by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, it reports the percentage of premises (homes and businesses) with indoor and outdoor signal coverage at each network generation.
5G Coverage
50%
The heaviest weighting reflects the growing importance of 5G for data speeds and latency. Derived from Ofcom's percentage of indoor premises coverage per postcode district.
4G Coverage
35%
4G remains the backbone of UK mobile data. Still the primary connection in many rural and suburban areas where 5G infrastructure has not yet been deployed.
3G / Voice
15%
Basic voice and messaging coverage. Lower weighting because 3G is being progressively sunset by UK operators, but still relevant for reliability in marginal coverage zones.
FORMULA
score = (5G% × 0.50) + (4G% × 0.35) + (3G% × 0.15)
Scores are normalised to a 0–100 scale. Where Ofcom reports coverage at district level, a seeded deterministic offset (FNV-1a hash) is applied per full postcode to produce realistic within-district variation while remaining fully reproducible.
Data Source & Attribution
SOURCE
Ofcom Connected Nations 2024
Published December 2024 by the Office of Communications (Ofcom), the UK's independent regulator for the communications industry. The dataset covers all four UK mobile network operators across all postcode districts in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
UPDATE CYCLE
Annual data refresh
Ofcom publishes Connected Nations data once per year, typically in Q4. NetScan UK will update coverage scores when Connected Nations 2025 is released. The dataset version in use is displayed in the footer of every page.
OPERATORS
Four UK MNOs
NetScan UK covers the four UK Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) licensed by Ofcom: EE (BT Group), Vodafone, Three (Hutchison 3G) and O2 (Virgin Media O2). MVNOs (e.g. giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, iD Mobile) use the same underlying networks and are not separately listed.
LIMITATION
Premises data vs. live signal
Ofcom's data represents estimated indoor coverage at the premises level — it is not a real-time or live signal measurement. In-building penetration, local topology and device type can affect actual experience. Always verify coverage using your operator's own coverage checker before signing a contract.
Transparency & Trust
No advertising
NetScan UK carries no display advertising. Operators cannot pay to influence coverage rankings. Results are based solely on Ofcom data and the published scoring formula.
Privacy-first analytics
Site analytics are collected via Plausible, a GDPR-compliant, cookie-free analytics platform. No personal data, no fingerprinting, no cross-site tracking.
Open source
The entire scoring engine and server code are open source. You can inspect the formula, the data pipeline and the template rendering logic.
No registration required
No account. No email. No cookies required to use the coverage checker. Your postcode lookup is not stored or logged. NetScan UK is designed to be the fastest, most frictionless coverage tool available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1
Where does the coverage data come from?
All coverage scores are derived from Ofcom Connected Nations 2024 — the UK's authoritative annual report on mobile network coverage, published by the UK's independent telecommunications regulator.
Q2
How is the coverage score calculated?
Score = (5G% × 0.50) + (4G% × 0.35) + (3G% × 0.15), normalised to 0–100. The highest-scoring operator is ranked #1 for your postcode.
Q3
Is the data real-time?
No. Coverage data is based on Ofcom's 2024 annual report, not live measurements. Real-world signal varies due to buildings, terrain, and device type. Verify with your operator before committing to a contract.
Q4
Can I use this data in my own project?
The source code is MIT-licensed. Coverage data originates from Ofcom under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Attribution to Ofcom Connected Nations 2024 is required if you republish derived coverage data.
Data Analysis & Methodology
NetScan UK coverage scores are researched, modelled and maintained by Cezary Makulec, Senior Data Analyst & Coverage Intelligence Specialist. Methodology is independently verified against Ofcom Connected Nations premises data published by the UK's independent communications regulator.
Coverage data sourced from official Ofcom Connected Nations 2024 dataset releases. Coverage metrics verified and updated for 2026. Analysis cross-referenced with operator-published network footprint data from EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three.