Norfolk among UK’s worst places for mobile signal
Norfolk has been ranked one of the worst areas in the UK for mobile phone signal, placing 86th out of 96 regions.
Norfolk has been named one of the worst places in the UK for mobile phone coverage, with residents and businesses in rural areas calling for urgent improvements.
The county ranks 86th out of 96 UK regions, according to mobile coverage site Signalchecker. The problem is most severe in north Norfolk, with villages like Itteringham, Banningham, and areas between Norwich and Holt reporting regular signal blackouts.
For some, it’s more than an inconvenience. Poor signal in emergencies has raised serious safety concerns, and local businesses say it’s hurting trade and growth. Tourists are also affected, struggling with poor navigation and digital access in the region.
Steff Aquarone, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, says the issue has sparked hundreds of complaints.
“People are deeply frustrated. Mobile signal should be treated like electricity or water — an essential service,” he said.
Aquarone is urging regulators to require providers like Vodafone, EE and O2 to improve land coverage, not just population reach, especially as the 3G network is phased out and reliance on mobile data grows.
At a North Norfolk District Council meeting this week, councillors called on mobile companies to meet with them and address the problem. Creative solutions like using church spires or masts disguised as trees were discussed — though providers claim some ideas are technically unfeasible.
Councillor John Toye, who previously worked with radar systems in the RAF, said he had to install his own mast to get a signal in his village.
“There’s no clear strategy from the networks — so we, as a council, need to push for answers.”
The council is set to invite major network providers to a January meeting to push for real improvements to rural coverage.