UK Mobile Connectivity Fails On-the-Go Users

UNITED KINGDOM — More than four in 10 people in the UK struggle to access 4G or 5G on their mobile devices for at least half the time they are on the move, according to a 2025 survey. The poll, commissioned by property consultancy Cluttons and conducted by YouGov, also found that 45% of respondents felt frustrated with mobile connectivity outside the home at least once a week.

Younger adults reported higher levels of frustration, with 57% of those aged 18 to 24 saying they experienced connectivity issues outside the home at least weekly. In comparison, 27% of respondents cited frustrations with their home wifi connection at least once a week.

The survey results come as the UK government rolls out satellite-based technology on more than 1,400 trains nationwide to improve onboard connectivity. Ministers said the satellite technology would provide faster and more reliable service than the mobile networks currently powering onboard wifi.

Economic modelling by Assembly Research estimates that increasing mobile coverage along railways to 80%—up from the current average of 50%—could unlock nearly £3 billion in productivity gains over the next decade. The improved coverage is projected to add more than 66 million hours of passenger productivity by 2035.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP and chair of the digital communities all-party parliamentary group, emphasized the economic importance of connectivity. "Digital connectivity is fundamental to the UK’s economic growth, acting as the backbone of a modern, productive economy," she said. She added, "This is particularly serious in rural areas, where businesses report lost income, operational delays and reduced efficiency. The rollout of digital infrastructure is therefore critical."

Cluttons said the findings, based on ISPreview UK’s analysis of Ookla data, exposed a troubling gap between the UK’s ambitions and delivery. Meanwhile, a separate YouGov poll of 103 MPs found that 21% were contacted at least once a week by residents struggling with slow or variable broadband connections.