expand_more

OFCOM Statistics Reveal Multi-Network SIM Advantage

Official Connected Nations Report data demonstrates multi-network SIM cards deliver 31.4% more UK landmass coverage than single network SIMs—essential insights for IoT deployment planning.

The Coverage Advantage

Multi-network SIM cards provide coverage across an additional 31.4% of UK landmass compared to single network SIM cards—a critical factor for reliable IoT connectivity.

+31.4%
More Coverage

Understanding Multi-Network SIM Performance Through Official Data

OFCOM publishes the Connected Nations Report series containing comprehensive statistics and figures that allow us to measure the effectiveness of multi-network SIM cards for IoT applications. The data provides concrete evidence of coverage improvements across UK landmass.

Official Source

The analysis below is based on the OFCOM Connected Nations 2022 Report, which provides authoritative mobile network coverage data across the United Kingdom.

Download OFCOM Connected Nations 2022 Report

UK Landmass Coverage Analysis

Page 34 of the Connected Nations Report publishes critical coverage statistics from all mobile networks, distinguishing between full coverage and partial coverage. This distinction is crucial for understanding multi-network SIM advantages.

70%

Full Coverage

All major networks provide signal

22%

Partial Coverage

At least one network has signal

8%

No Coverage

No network provides signal

Why Partial Coverage Matters

Multi-network SIM cards get signal in partial coverage areas because they can connect to whichever operator has signal in that location. Single network SIM cards may only get signal in areas with full coverage for their specific carrier.

This means multi-network SIMs are effective across 92% of UK landmass (70% full + 22% partial), while single network SIMs may be limited to approximately 70% or less depending on their carrier's individual coverage.

Multi-Network Coverage by UK Region

The OFCOM Connected Nations Update (Autumn 2022) provides geographic data showing areas not covered by any operator—true "not spots." From this data, we can calculate multi-network SIM coverage by region.

98%

England

2% not spots

97%

Northern Ireland

3% not spots

90%

Wales

10% not spots

83%

Scotland

17% not spots

Calculating Regional Coverage

These percentages represent the maximum landmass coverage achievable with multi-network SIM cards in each region. The figures are derived by subtracting the percentage of "not spots" (areas with zero operator coverage) from 100%, showing where at least one mobile operator provides signal that multi-network SIMs can access.

Network Bandwidth Variation: The Hidden Performance Factor

Coverage availability is only part of the story. Within covered areas, significant bandwidth fluctuations exist between networks, directly impacting IoT application performance.

Poor Network Performance

1 Mbps

Same SIM and modem, different network—severely limited bandwidth affecting application functionality

Optimal Network Performance

50 Mbps

Same location, same equipment—50x faster speeds by connecting to a better performing network

Why Network Performance Varies

Signal and bandwidth performance fluctuate over time due to multiple factors:

  • Installation of new mobile cells and infrastructure
  • Removal or decommissioning of old cell sites
  • 2G and 3G network sunsetting programs
  • Environmental factors and interference
  • Network congestion and capacity constraints

KeySIM Network Steerer Solution

This bandwidth variability is precisely why our Network Steerer functionality is crucial for the KeySIM solution. Instead of relying on standard automatic network selection that may keep you connected to a poor-performing network, Network Steerer allows you to:

  • Instantly force network switching from underperforming networks to better alternatives
  • Maintain application performance by proactively selecting optimal networks
  • Respond to infrastructure changes as networks evolve and capacity shifts
  • Optimize bandwidth utilization across your entire IoT estate

Single Network vs Multi-Network: The Data

Coverage Metric Single Network SIM Multi-Network SIM Improvement
UK Overall Coverage ~70% or less 92% +31.4%
England Coverage Varies by carrier 98% Best in UK
Northern Ireland Coverage Varies by carrier 97% Excellent
Wales Coverage Varies by carrier 90% Good
Scotland Coverage Varies by carrier 83% Challenging Terrain
Network Performance Flexibility Fixed to one network Switch between networks Up to 50x faster

Key Takeaways for IoT Deployments

31.4% More Coverage

Multi-network SIMs access both full and partial coverage areas, providing significantly more reliable connectivity across UK landmass.

Regional Variations

Coverage ranges from 98% in England to 83% in Scotland, with significant improvements in rural and challenging terrain areas.

Performance Flexibility

Bandwidth can vary 50x between networks in the same location—Network Steerer enables optimization by switching to better-performing networks.

Data-Driven Decisions

OFCOM statistics provide objective evidence for choosing multi-network solutions over single carrier SIMs for mission-critical IoT deployments.

Experience Multi-Network Reliability

OFCOM data proves the coverage advantage. Discover how KeySIM multi-network SIMs with Network Steerer deliver superior connectivity and performance for your IoT estate.

Explore Network Steerer Discuss Your Requirements