Mobile phone signal quality is deteriorating in many regions, leading to increased dissatisfaction among users and posing significant challenges for telecommunications companies. In both the UK and the US, users have reported declining service, with the UK’s 5G network ranking poorly in terms of speed and availability. Despite living in a highly connected world, people are facing more frequent call drops, slower data speeds, and generally poorer mobile performance.
The difference between signal strength and quality is crucial to understanding this issue. Signal strength refers to the power of the radio signal received by a device, influenced by proximity to the tower. Higher signal strength generally results in better performance. However, signal quality pertains to the integrity of that signal, which can be affected by interference, physical obstructions, or other environmental factors. These two factors can vary independently, so having strong signal strength does not always guarantee good signal quality.
One major contributor to worsening signal quality is increased network congestion. The rapid rise in the number of devices and users has overwhelmed existing mobile infrastructure, which is not being upgraded quickly enough. In the UK, a shortage of towers, compounded by public opposition to their construction, has resulted in overcrowded networks. Temporary solutions, such as deploying mobile cells for major events, offer only short-term relief.
Building materials also present challenges, especially in modern constructions, where materials like metal, concrete, and energy-efficient glass can block mobile signals. While indoor connectivity is often supplemented by Wi-Fi, many people still rely on mobile data, particularly younger users who favour unlimited data plans. This trend adds further pressure on already congested networks.
The adoption of new network technologies like 5G is intended to provide faster and more reliable service, but it comes with challenges. 5G’s higher frequency bands have a shorter range and are more vulnerable to interference. Europe lags behind other regions in 5G adoption, partly due to issues like the removal of Huawei equipment. As 5G networks grow, they often struggle with congestion, which affects signal quality, leaving users dissatisfied despite the promise of faster speeds.
Infrastructure limitations, especially in rural areas, exacerbate the problem. These regions often have fewer towers, making them more vulnerable to service disruptions. The UK’s Shared Rural Network aims to improve coverage by pooling resources among major telecom operators, but balancing investment across regions remains a challenge, as rural areas are typically less profitable.
To address these issues, telecom companies need to expand infrastructure by building more towers and deploying small cells in dense or challenging environments. Investing in technologies like network slicing and dynamic spectrum sharing can help manage interference and optimise network performance. Artificial intelligence can also play a role, predicting traffic patterns and managing network resources in real-time to prevent signal degradation. Additionally, optimising data transmission, for instance through efficient compression algorithms, can alleviate network strain.
The decline in mobile phone signal quality is a multifaceted issue, requiring strategic investment in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and network optimisation. Addressing these challenges will be key to ensuring reliable connectivity and improving user satisfaction in the future.
Cerillion plc (LON:CER) is a leading provider of billing, charging and customer management systems with more than 20 years’ experience delivering its solutions across a broad range of industries including the telecommunications, finance, utilities and transportation sectors.
