Over the next two months the Beeb are set to start testing the nation’s coverage to produce a comprehensive map of 3G coverage. The independent survey will be done through a mobile app using Google’s Android platform.
The UK 3G Survey app from BBC and Epitiro will collect location data (presumably with user permission) from willing members of the British public, of which a reported 12 million are smartphone owners, and report where reception is of low performance to collect results and establish the country’s best and poorest places for a 3G service.
The individual networks do their part to advise customers on which areas are most suited, but this attempt by the BBC will be fully covering all networks – but only 2G and 3G data speeds will be recorded, not mobile speeds themselves. The results of the Beeb’s test will be revealed on the broadacasters website “in due time”.
Ofcom is already reporting coverage of 76% and the communications regulator are currently conducting their own test with results to come towards the end of 2011. It seems everybody is interested in where to get their 3G on – and if you want to get involved you can grab the UK 3G Survey app for yourself over at the Android Market right now.
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