Mobile broadband coverage maps

Maps of mobile operators' 3G (third-generation) mobile data coverage in the UK have been released by industry watchdog Ofcom.

The maps show that Orange and Three offer better 3G signals to the greatest landmass, though no operator provides 3G coverage in much of Wales or the highlands of Scotland.

"While mobile network coverage in the UK is generally good, some problems persist, particularly in rural areas," Ofcom said.

Ofcom said it was planning to work with the government to free up additional radio spectrum to improve 3G coverage in the UK.

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3G services are crucial to providing mobile broadband services, with Ofcom claiming that more and more people are signing up to contracts offering broadband via a USB dongle.

Two million new mobile broadband contracts were signed between February 2008 and February 2009, according to the regulator.

You can see the 3G coverage maps on the Ofcom website.