We worked with mobile mapping specialist Streetwave, and district and borough councils throughout Derbyshire, collecting crucial data on where mobile signals fail to deliver using signal testing devices fixed to council bin lorries.
Funded by East Midlands County Combined Authority (EMCCA), it is the first project to provide data about mobile connectivity in Derbyshire based on real life evidence.
The project measured the signal strength for the UK’s 4 main mobile networks – Three, Vodafone, EE, and O2 – with EE found to be the provider with the best signal coverage overall.
Data gathered has been used to create a countywide mobile signal map, giving us the evidence we need to push for investment in better connectivity.
Residents can check their details and see whether they have the best coverage and downloads for their needs using a simple Digital Derbyshire online checker.
Councillor Carol Wood, our Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environment, said:
"Most of us rely on fibre broadband and wi-fi when we’re at home or work, but once we step outside the building, we have to rely on connecting to the internet via our service provider’s mobile signal.
“This can be frustrating if the mobile signal is poor. Things like loading maps, using social media, receiving emails and using online banking can be a slow process.
“Many businesses need strong mobile signals too for things like smart meters, taking credit and debit card payments, and even operating traffic lights.
“Now we’ve mapped which providers have the best speeds in each area, we’ll be lobbying providers to do better in areas where their connectivity is poor.”
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said:
“Reliable mobile connectivity is not a ‘nice to have’ – it underpins how people live, work, and do business every day. Derbyshire's mobile mapping project gives us clear, real-world evidence of where coverage is working well and, just as importantly, where it is falling short.
“By investing in initiatives like this, we’re making sure no community is left behind because of poor digital infrastructure. Strong connectivity keeps residents connected, supports local businesses, and helps make our region a place everyone can be proud to call home.”
Just 1 area was revealed as not having any mobile signal at all – in Carsington. We will inform Ofcom which has the power to enforce at least one mobile service provider to maintain a signal in the area.
Calls to emergency services use an open roaming system which means they automatically connect via the mobile network with the strongest signal in the area where the call is being made.