Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the London Mobile Connectivity Map show?
2. How should the map be used?
3. Where does the data come from?
4. What is the Capital Connectivity Standard?
5. Why does the map show operators anonymously?
6. What do the different connectivity measures mean?
7. Why can mobile performance vary so much from one area to another?
8. Can I filter the data to show the worst performing areas for the various metrics?
9. What is the difference between peak and off-peak data?
10. Why can weekday and weekend performance be different?
11. Does the map show whether I will get good mobile service at a particular address?
12. Can the map tell us where new mobile infrastructure is needed?
13. Why doesn't the map use mobile coverage data?
14. How do we know connectivity challenges can be addressed?
15. What is the Mayor doing to improve mobile connectivity?

1. What does the London Mobile Connectivity Map show?

The map shows how mobile networks perform across London using real-world, crowdsourced measurements from Ookla. It covers download speed, upload speed, signal strength and overall network responsiveness, with results shown on a 100m × 100m grid. You can also explore how performance varies between operators and at different times of the week and day.

2. How should the map be used?

The map is intended to help people better understand mobile connectivity challenges across London. Alongside the London Mobile Connectivity Framework, it provides evidence that can help identify where networks may be under pressure, understand the likely causes of poor performance and support more informed decisions about improving mobile coverage and capacity. It can also help build a clearer understanding of local connectivity challenges and the actions that may be needed to address them.

3. Where does the data come from?

The current dataset between July and December 2025 uses crowdsourced data collected by Ookla from real-world mobile network users and devices. The data provides a picture of how networks are performing in practice, rather than relying solely on predicted or modelled coverage.

4. What is the Capital Connectivity Standard?

The Capital Connectivity Standard (CCS) is a new framework developed through the GLA’s work with Ookla to provide a more detailed picture of mobile connectivity in London. It looks at four measures that affect the experience of using a mobile network: download speed, upload speed, latency and signal strength.

The CCS uses three levels of performance. Ofcom Successful represents the national minimum level; Strong (City-grade) reflects the level of performance expected of a well-connected global capital today; and Forward-looking sets an ambitious level for the connectivity London is likely to need in the future.

5. Why does the map show operators anonymously?

The map is designed to provide a shared evidence base to help understand mobile connectivity challenges across London. Operators are anonymised so that the focus remains on identifying locations where coverage, capacity or user experience may be under pressure, rather than comparing the performance of individual operators. Mobile performance is influenced by a wide range of factors, many of which sit beyond the control of any single organisation. By focusing on places rather than operators, the map is intended to a shared understanding of connectivity challenges and the role that different parties can play in addressing them.

6. What do the different connectivity measures mean?

Download speed measures how quickly data can be received, such as when streaming or downloading content. Upload speed measures how quickly data can be sent, such as when uploading photos or video. Latency measures the time it takes for data to travel between a device and the network, which can affect responsiveness in activities such as video calls and online gaming. Signal strength indicates the strength of the mobile signal being received.

7. Why can mobile performance vary so much from one area to another?

Mobile performance can be affected by a range of factors, including the location and density of network infrastructure, the physical environment, buildings and other obstacles, the number of people using a network at the same time, and the amount of network capacity available. This means that having a mobile signal does not necessarily mean that a user will experience the same level of performance everywhere.

8. Can I filter the data to show the worst performing areas for the various metrics?

Yes! The legend within each of the metrics allows you to select/deselect thresholds which are aligned to the CCS framework. You can set the filters to show which areas meet each of the three levels of performance.

9. What is the difference between peak and off-peak data?

Peak data shows network performance during periods when mobile demand is typically higher, while off-peak data provides a comparison with periods of lower demand. Looking at both helps to show how mobile performance can change when networks are busier and can provide a better understanding of capacity pressures.

Peak periods are defined as:

• Weekdays: 06:30 - 09:30 & 16:00 - 19:00
• Weekends: 12:00 - 17:00

10. Why can weekday and weekend performance be different?

People use mobile networks differently depending on the day of the week. Work, commuting, leisure and events can create different patterns of demand in different parts of London. Comparing weekdays and weekends can therefore help identify changes in network performance associated with different usage patterns.

11. Does the map show whether I will get good mobile service at a particular address?

No. The map provides a 100m x 100m view of aggregated real-world measurements, so it should be used to understand patterns of mobile performance rather than as a guarantee of the experience at an individual property or exact location. Indoor performance can also differ from outdoor performance because building materials, layout and other factors can affect mobile signals.

12. Can the map tell us where new mobile infrastructure is needed?

The map can help identify areas where mobile performance may be weaker or where capacity may be under pressure, making it a useful starting point for further investigation. Alongside the London Mobile Connectivity Framework, it can help support discussions about how connectivity challenges might be addressed. However, the map does not, by itself, determine where new infrastructure should be deployed.

13. Why doesn't the map use mobile coverage data?

Traditional coverage maps show where signal is expected to be available, but they do not always reflect people's real-world experience. The London Mobile Connectivity Map uses real-world performance data to help understand how networks are actually performing across London.

14. How do we know connectivity challenges can be addressed?

Mobile connectivity challenges are often complex and can be influenced by a range of factors, including network infrastructure, demand, planning, access to suitable sites and the built environment. While there is rarely a single solution, experience from London's digital connectivity programmes shows that coordinated action can make a significant difference.

For example, through the Connected London programme, boroughs, infrastructure providers and other partners worked together to improve the conditions for fibre deployment across the capital. This included the widespread adoption of multi-site wayleave agreements, improved access to public assets and stronger collaboration between different parties. The London Mobile Connectivity Framework > seeks to apply similar principles to mobile connectivity, recognising that improving outcomes often requires action from multiple organisations working together.

15. What is the Mayor doing to improve mobile connectivity?

The Mayor is working with boroughs, industry and other partners to improve mobile connectivity across London.

The London Mobile Connectivity Framework sets out actions for a range of organisations, including the GLA. These include improving the evidence available on mobile connectivity, supporting collaboration between different parties, sharing best practice, developing tools and guidance, and working with partners to address barriers to mobile infrastructure deployment.

The London Mobile Connectivity Map forms part of this work by providing a shared evidence base to help understand connectivity challenges across London and support action to address them.

This builds on previous Mayoral work to improve digital connectivity across London, including support for fibre broadband deployment, digital inclusion initiatives and improvements to mobile connectivity across the transport network.