Comparing EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three across 5G · 4G · 3G for the Shetland (ZE) postcode area. Use the scanner below to check your exact postcode.
O2 has the best measured signal in Shetland (ZE), 6 points clear of the weakest network in Ofcom's data for this remote area.
Based on Ofcom's measurements, O2 comes out on top for Shetland. In this remote area, O2 achieves an overall coverage score of 99/100 — driven by excellent 5G coverage (100%) and rock-solid 4G at 100%. 5G and 4G scores are closely matched, reflecting a mature, stable network.
O2 noticeably leads Vodafone by 2 points overall. While Vodafone reaches 100% on 5G and 100% on 4G in Shetland, it falls short of O2's combined performance across all bands. Three and EE round out the field at 94 and 93 respectively.
In remote areas like Shetland, 4G reliability often matters more than 5G availability. O2 scores 100% on 4G here, making it the most dependable choice for voice calls and data in areas where 5G infrastructure is still limited.
These scores for Shetland are Ofcom's own measurements, taken from the Ofcom Mobile Coverage API (May 2025 data) across 264 addresses in 12 postcodes. They describe outdoor signal at sampled addresses across the whole of Shetland; signal inside a specific building, and on a specific street, can differ from the area figure.
Across the ZE postcode area O2 has the strongest measured signal — 99/100, 100% 5G-grade and 100% 4G in Ofcom's data. Coverage still varies street by street, so check your own postcode above before you commit to a contract.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you switch through one we may be paid a commission. It never changes which network we rank first - that comes from Ofcom coverage data alone.
O2 has the best measured mobile coverage in Shetland, scoring 99/100 against EE's 93 — a gap of 6 points in Ofcom's data. O2 reaches 100% of sampled addresses with enhanced (5G-grade) outdoor signal and 100% with reliable 4G.
O2 reaches enhanced (5G-grade) outdoor signal at 100% of the addresses Ofcom sampled in Shetland.
Vodafone is the second-best operator in Shetland with 97/100 overall (100% 5G, 100% 4G).
Shetland is classified as a remote area with a population density score of 5%. Mixed areas typically see good 4G and growing 5G from leading operators.
Check mobile coverage for specific postcode districts in Shetland:
Compare mobile coverage in nearby Scotland areas:
