Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
UK mobile network ranked 53rd as campaign calls for more transmitters
The UK has fallen to 53rd in mobile download speed rankings, according to a report by campaign group Buffering Britain.
The report says two in five users cannot play video clips and one in five struggles to make simple calls.
Mobile traffic has risen 500 per cent since 2018, putting pressure on the network.
The report says planning rules make it harder for operators to build the masts needed to support that demand.
It says the UK trails Kazakhstan, Brazil and Kenya for download speed.
Poor mobile signal may cost users up to £785 million a year in lost work and other value, the report estimates.
Buffering Britain says new transmitters should go on lamp posts and public buildings.
Britain ranked 53rd in global mobile network rankings, according to a report by the Buffering Britain campaign group.
The report calls for new phone transmitters on lamp posts and the roofs of public buildings.
It says two in five phone users cannot play video clips and one in five struggles to make simple calls.
The campaign group says mobile traffic has risen 500 per cent since 2018, while planning rules prevent operators from building enough masts.
It estimates poor signal costs mobile users up to £785 million a year in lost work and other value.
- Who
- The Buffering Britain campaign group produced the report. It says mobile operators are ready to build more masts.
- What
- The report says Britain’s mobile network ranked 53rd globally and calls for more transmitters.
- When
- The report was published on 15 November 2026.
- Where
- Britain.
- Why
- The campaign group says planning rules prevent operators from building masts needed to support the network.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mobile phone traffic has surged by 500 per cent, according to the report.
The report was published, calling for new transmitters and saying Britain ranked 53rd in the world.
- Global ranking
- 53rd
- Mobile traffic growth
- 500 per cent since 2018
- Users unable to play video clips
- Two in five
- Users struggling to make simple calls
- One in five
- Estimated annual cost of poor signal
- Up to £785 million
What people are saying
Operators are ready to build the masts, but nimby councils are blocking them,