EE offers best overall mobile experience in UK
EE remains dominant in Tutela’s reporting, with its subscriber base experiencing the highest Excellent Consistent Quality (representative of a range of use-cases such as 1080p video streaming, HD/group video calls, and realtime mobile gaming), fastest median download and upload speed, and best overall coverage of the big four operators.
However, EE’s lead is not unchallenged: Vodafone’s subscribers experienced the highest Core Consistent Quality – this means that Vodafone customers enjoy a connection capable of SD video streaming, web browsing and social media sharing more often than subscribers of other operators (in areas where all operators offer service, called “Common Coverage Areas”). Additionally, Vodafone outperformed EE for Excellent Consistent Quality in Wales, as well as tying with EE in Scotland.
best mobile experience in UK
The gap between 3 and the other operators remains across almost every KPI tested, with the exception of upload throughput. This is likely due in part to 3’s more limited 4G coverage, with users spending a notable amount of time on 3G, and 3’s significant amount of 3G-only geographic coverage. 3’s initial 5G deployments have shown promise in the UK, but major investment in both infrastructure and spectrum licenses in the upcoming auctions will be critical for 3 to continue to compete with the rest of the UK’s operators.
Broken down by nation, a more complex picture emerges. EE is the dominant provider for Excellent Consistent Quality in the UK and Northern Ireland, but ties with Vodafone in Scotland. Vodafone also places first in Wales. Vodafone’s lead for Core Consistent Quality is also demonstrated in every one of the four nations.
