The UK is getting faster — but not evenly.
Ofcom’s Mobile Matters report (Oct 2024–Mar 2025) shows significant shifts in how people connect, with 5G now used in 28% of mobile sessions. But behind the progress, the report also reveals a persistent challenge: mobile performance varies dramatically depending on where you are and what’s around you.
And for businesses, schools, hospitals, retailers, and construction sites — that gap in performance can mean lost sales, dropped calls, unsafe working conditions, or critical communication failure.
Key Insights from the Ofcom Report:
5G Usage Is Rising: From 20% last year to 28% today, 5G is growing steadily — especially in urban centres (29%) versus rural areas (19%).
4G Usage Is Declining: Now at 71%, 4G still dominates, but the shift to 5G is accelerating — especially where devices and infrastructure are compatible.
- Latency & Speed Vary by Network:
Three offers the lowest average 5G latency.
EE delivers the best 4G download speeds. - 5G Standalone (SA): While 45% faster than regular 5G, it shows a slightly lower success rate in establishing connections — meaning it’s not a cure-all yet.
Indoor Access Remains an Issue: Despite national investment, thick walls, energy-efficient glass, and certain building types still block or weaken signal indoors.
