I wanted to get a more definitive answer to the question of the quality of mobile infrastructure reach and reception on Holy Island, and decided to see what individual mobile company coverage is like for the four main providers: Three, Vodafone, EE (network also used by BT Mobile) and O2.
Here are the results of my research. Note that this is based on the operators’ own coverage maps, and real life experiences may vary. There is also a difference in the quality of reception, depending on the mobile device used, with newer phones (usually) having better reception.
Headline findings
- If network maps are to be believed, O2 and EE have the best coverage, with 4G indoors reception throughout the village and most of the island. Their 3G reception is not as good, but then, most modern phones will have 4G.
- Three and Vodafone have limited coverage in a significant proportion of the village. ‘Outdoor only’ seems to be code for not great or variable, which has certainly been my experience with Three.
- None of the networks offer 5G on Holy Island as yet.
- Luckily, all networks appear to be have good reception on the causeway itself (and remember, if you need to call 999 for the Coastguard, you can use any network, even if it’s not your own).
Three Mobile Coverage on Holy Island
The Three mobile network also includes subscribers to the following services: Superdrug Mobile, FreedomPop, iD Mobile and SMARTY.
I’ve been using Three’s network on the island for years, and their signal tends to be somewhere in the 1-3 bar range, with 3G/4G reception ranging from none/poor to acceptable. There is fairly good coverage on the causeway itself and if you walk around the island (with a few blind spots).
Three network 3G/4G reception
3G and 4G reception on the island is completely lacking in areas at the centre of the village, even where the map shows good outside coverage. It is supposed to be stronger on the outskirts, though from experience this isn’t always the case.
Three network 5G reception
There is no 5G reception on the Three network on Holy Island.
Maps
Vodafone Mobile Coverage on Holy Island
The Vodafone mobile network also includes subscribers to the following services: Asda Mobile, Lebara, TalkTalk, Talk Mobile, VOXI.
The Vodafone maps let me zoom in a bit more, which is helpful.
Vodafone network 3G/4G reception
This is similar story to Three, with a variation that may or may not be due to mapping quirks. 3G and 4G reception is lacking in areas at the centre of the village, even where the map shows good outside coverage. It is supposed to be stronger on the outskirts. If we take the map at face value, then indoor coverage is limited for most of the buildings on the island.
Vodafone network 5G reception
There is no 5G reception on the Vodafone network on Holy Island.
Maps
O2 Mobile Coverage on Holy Island
The O2 mobile network also includes subscribers to the following services: Tesco Mobile, KC, Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Extreme Connect, Lyca mobile.
O2 network 3G/4G reception
O2’s maps suggest good 4G coverage throughout the village, with blind spots only in Sandham Bay, Coves Haven and a section between Emmanuel Head and Castle Point. 3G coverage is more limited coverage for the village and elsewhere on the island.
O2 network 5G reception
There is no 5G reception on the Vodafone network on Holy Island.
Maps
EE Mobile Coverage on Holy Island
The EE mobile network also includes subscribers to the following services: BT Mobile, Plusnet, The Phone, Co-op, NowPAYG, EcoTalk, CMLink, 1pMobile.
EE network 3G/4G reception
EE’s maps suggest good 4G coverage throughout the village, with a few blind spots outwith. 3G coverage is more limited in the village, and elsewhere on the island.
EE network 5G reception
There is no 5G reception on the EE network on Holy Island.
Maps
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