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Mobile connectivity and coverage

Check your mobile coverage with Streetwave

We have teamed up with Streetwave, using their equipment in our food waste collection vehicles to map mobile network coverage across the Dorset Council area. You can search for your address using the Mobile Coverage Checker below or on the Streetwave website.

Understanding your mobile coverage results

Results may vary slightly because the Postcode Checker and Coverage Maps show different information.

The Postcode Checker gives estimated download and upload speeds for a specific address. Both are important for understanding performance.

The Coverage Maps show an overall coverage quality score. This is based on a wider view of network performance, including download and upload speeds and other factors. 

If your address isn’t listed on Streetwave

Don’t worry – your address is still on the Council’s records. Streetwave uses a different database, so some addresses might not appear. You can:
  • use a nearby address if it’s listed
  • find your location using the coverage map

Mobile operators in the UK

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) 

Mobile network operators are companies that own and operate their own mobile networks. 

MNOs are responsible for setting up the networks, providing mobile coverage and selling services directly to consumers. 

  • EE 
  • O2 
  • Vodafone 
  • Three 

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) 

These companies lease access to the network infrastructure owned by MNOs. They don’t operate their own infrastructure but offer mobile services under their brand name.

While they use the same networks, MVNOs don’t always provide the same service levels or coverage guarantees as the MNOs they rely on, so it’s worth checking the details of what each provider offers. 

Virtual Mobile Network Operators by Mobile Network Operator
EE O2 Three Vodafone
  • BT Mobile
  • Plusnet Mobile
  • Sainsbury's Mobile
  • Post Office Mobile
  • Mobile by 1pMobile
  • FreedomPop
  • The People's Operator
  • Giffgaff
  • Tesco Mobile
  • Sky Mobile
  • Virgin Mobile
  • Smarty
  • iD Mobile
  • Carly
  • Grapevine
  • Talkmobile
  • Lebara
  • Asda Mobile
  • Voxi
  • Rolo

About Streetwave

Streetwave provides detailed insights into mobile network coverage and performance across the UK. Dorset Council uses Streetwave data to map and assess the quality of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks from major operators, including EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone.

Streetwave data shows outdoor mobile coverage only. Indoor coverage may vary depending on your location and building materials.

Your mobile experience may also be affected by your device. For example, if your phone doesn’t support 5G, you won’t be able to access 5G networks.

While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, we give no guarantees regarding its accuracy, timeliness or completeness. Any reliance which you place on the information and content on this site is entirely at your own risk

Your feedback is really important 

Please let us know if: 

  • there's an area missing data that you'd like us to cover. We'll try our best to explore how we can gather data there. 
  • you represent a community group, e.g., parish/town council, and you’d like more information, including data insights, on mobile coverage in your area. 

You can contact us at digitaldorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk