What's Happening?
Streetwave, a mobile analytics company, is conducting a project in South Yorkshire to map mobile phone signal coverage using sensors on bin lorries and street sweepers. Funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) with £34,000, the initiative aims to provide a public online map and postcode checker to help residents choose the best mobile network. The project collects real-world data on signal strength, download and upload speeds, and reliability, offering an empirical alternative to operator-modelled coverage maps. Results for Barnsley have been collected, with data for Doncaster, Sheffield, and Rotherham expected by year-end.
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Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it empowers residents with accurate information to make informed decisions about mobile network providers, potentially improving connectivity and service quality. By providing empirical data, Streetwave's project challenges traditional operator-modelled maps, offering a more reliable source of information. This could lead to better consumer choices and increased competition among mobile operators, ultimately enhancing service offerings and coverage in the region.
What's Next?
The data collected by Streetwave will be made public by the end of the year, allowing residents to access the information and make informed decisions about their mobile network provider. The project may also influence local authorities, housing providers, and planners to embed the data into public portals, further enhancing connectivity and service quality in South Yorkshire.
