Dundee has been named the best city in the UK for mobile connectivity
- Andrew Batchelor
- Jul 19
- 2 min read

While many UK cities continue to struggle with patchy mobile connections, Dundee is setting the standard when it comes to mobile network reliability.
A new study has found that Dundee is the only city in the UK with zero percent reliance on 3G outdoors, showing the strength of its mobile infrastructure compared to other parts of the country.
The report, carried out by insurance firm Protect Your Bubble, looked at 3G and 5G coverage across 50 UK cities.
It revealed that despite large investments in digital infrastructure, many cities still rely heavily on 3G because of slow or inconsistent 5G rollouts. In fact, over 30 cities were found to still use 3G for more than 60 percent of their outdoor coverage.
But Dundee stood out as a success story. Thanks to long-term digital investment, including £2 million from the Scottish Government in 2016, the city has built one of the most reliable mobile networks in the country.
Since then, Dundee has continued to improve its digital infrastructure with ongoing support from network providers like EE.
This achievement comes at a crucial time. Mobile networks such as Vodafone and EE have already switched off their 3G services, with O2 expected to follow in 2025.
As the UK shifts away from older technology, the gap between cities with strong 5G coverage and those without is becoming more noticeable.
Unlike cities such as London, Southend-on-Sea and Southampton – all named among the worst for connectivity – Dundee’s mobile users can stay connected with faster speeds and more reliable signals.
The city’s commitment to digital upgrades has paid off, putting it ahead of many others across the UK.
While the rest of the country catches up, Dundee’s forward-thinking approach means it may now be one of the most connected cities in the UK – if not the most connected.
As more services rely on fast and stable mobile data, this puts Dundee in a strong position for both residents and future growth.
The study acts as a reminder that digital investment takes time, planning and consistency. Dundee’s success proves that with the right backing and focus, better connectivity is achievable – and other cities may now look to it as a model to follow.
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