An Android app that'll monitor UK's 3G coverage

There are over 12 million smartphones being used in the UK, which means good service is critical for browsing web, streaming videos, and more. Most of the mobile operators claim to provide the fastest 2G or 3G services to their users, but when it comes to actual usage the figures on paper do not match the reality.

Android app

Thousands of people have complaints over the mobile network coverage all over the places in UK. Owing to this, BBC has launched an app for smartphones running on Android operating system. This app would specifically aim at mapping the 2G and 3G coverage across the cities and towns of UK.

The app named UK 3G Survey is available for download from the Android Market for free. Once installed, the app will record data on 3G network coverage for over a month. The data will be collected by Epitiro, the developer of the app, to be put together on a map. Once the data is put on a map, an individual can search the information on 2G and 3G coverage just by entering the zip code. After completion of the collation, all you will need to do is enter the zip code of your area and you would know if 3G services are available in your area or not. And if they are available, information on which ones provide coverage at what speed makes it very convenient for you to choose the best.

If you are concerned about the bandwidth it will use, you need not be, as BBC has stated that the app will use very little bandwidth. And neither Epitiro nor the BBC will store personal details of the users who take part in this survey; so there's no question of privacy issues either.

As coverage is one of the most important issues for the consumers, the BBC is hoping that people would voluntarily take part in this survey. This is a unique and useful survey, which will surely benefit the users to a great extent while deciding upon the mobile carriers for their smartphones.

Via: BBC