Why is UK 5G so bad? We investigated - Which?

Full bars. 5G icon. Still buffering. Why is mobile data so bad in the UK? In this episode of Which? Investigates, Kat Cereda finds out why the UK ranks last in the G7 for mobile network performance, and why your phone might be lying to you. We put the signal to the test live on a moving train and ask why other countries get faster speeds and better value. Plus, why you’re paying for speeds you might not be getting. We speak to Which? journalist Adam Snook, research analyst Bart Smallman and Steve Cray, whose company builds and manages the sites mobile networks rely on. Together they reveal why your 5G icon can’t be trusted, what other countries are doing that we’re not, and what could happen to the UK by 2030 if nothing changes. So what’s being done to fix it, and how can you find out which network really performs where you live and work? 📍 Check how reliable each network is in your postcode with our mobile coverage map, built with Opensignal: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/mobile-phone-providers/article/mobile-phone-coverage-map-aIm7Z6y0yO4Z In our survey, 39% of people had coverage dropouts this year, and 37% said their data was consistently slow. Has your signal let you down? Tell us in the comments. Why is UK 5G so bad? We investigate why mobile network performance lags behind other nations and how your phone misleads you. Despite high claims from providers, only one in five users actually accesses true 5G connectivity. We examine the infrastructure hurdles, such as planning permissions and site-sharing challenges, that leave the UK trailing behind its G7 peers. Our investigation reveals how current signal projections often fail to reflect the reality of daily usage, particularly on rail lines where data speeds remain significantly lower than in countries like Germany. We also highlight the impact of AI-driven data demands on existing mobile networks and explore government initiatives designed to close the coverage gap. By using real-world crowdsourced data rather than theoretical signal strength, we show you how to identify the actual mobile coverage in your area to determine if switching providers is the right move for you. Use our mobile coverage map to check your own signal reliability, and let us know in the comments if your data speeds have let you down recently. 0:00 Why Your Phone Lies About Signal 1:19 Decoding the 5G Icon Confusion 3:58 The Frustrating Reality of Train Wi-Fi 6:10 The Hidden Cost of Real-World Testing 10:47 Is Satellite Tech the Ultimate Fix? Technology Tech Mobilephone Broadband Infrastructure