The United Kingdom has slipped behind other nations in mobile network quality, placing eighth in a global connectivity ranking, according to new research from VodafoneThree's Mobile Market Index. Singapore topped the list, followed by South Korea and the United States, while the UK trailed Norway, Australia, Germany and Hungary.
Key factors behind UK's poor performance
VodafoneThree identified several factors holding back Britain's mobile networks: high energy costs, an emerging retirement gap among engineers, restrictive regulation, high spectrum charges, and intense market competition. The company warned that the UK risks falling further behind as international rivals accelerate investment in mobile infrastructure.
Progress and challenges
Despite the ranking, VodafoneThree noted progress since the merger that created the company. Andrea Dona, networks director at VodafoneThree, said: "Since the merger we have raised the bar for connectivity in the UK, eliminating thousands of not spots and providing millions of people with access to our fastest 5G speeds. But we cannot afford to lose momentum. Fast, reliable, and quality mobile networks are a fundamental driver of economic growth and prosperity."
The index found that UK operators face the second-highest energy costs and the second most planning red tape among the countries surveyed. Britain also scored seven out of 10 for the skills pipeline needed to support advanced network rollout.
Call for government action
VodafoneThree urged the government to support investment by removing regulatory and planning barriers and mitigating energy costs to align the UK with leading nations. Dona added: "Bringing the UK's investment environment up to the standard of our international peers could help to support public services, eliminate digital divides and enable communities to thrive."
The company is investing £11 billion across its network to achieve 99% 5G Standalone population coverage by 2030.
