How we declare a winner

We compare EE, O2, Vodafone and Three against each other on the same set of metrics for every postcode district. No single network's self-reported figures are taken at face value — all four are measured on the same basis.

The result is a ranked verdict: which network scores highest for outdoor signal, indoor coverage, 5G availability, video calls and streaming at that location.

We don't go out with four phones and test every street ourselves. We aggregate three primary layers of data:

• Topological Projections: Regulator-standard RF propagation models considering terrain and building density.
• Crowdsourced Signal Data: Anonymous signal-strength readings from consumer devices in the area.
• Infrastructure Proximity: Distance and line-of-sight to the nearest active cell towers for each of the four core networks.

In the UK, there are only four actual mobile networks that own physical masts: EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three.

Every other provider (like Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Smarty, or Lebara) is a "Virtual Network" (MVNO). They rent space on one of the big four networks. For example, if O2 has the best coverage in your area, Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile will also have the best coverage, because they use the exact same O2 masts.

That's why our verdicts highlight the core network winner, and then suggest cheaper virtual networks (MVNOs) that run on that winning infrastructure.