EE Lacks 5G Coverage around Ilford

[Kane61]

I have been experiencing challenges with EE’s 5G mobile network coverage around the Ilford (e.g. IG1 2UZ) area. Though EE claims “We’ve got 5G in more places than any other network in the UK”, we have little or no 5G coverage even outdoors in my neighbourhood. I am extremely concerned about walking around my neighbourhood after a situation where I could not call my family in an emergency during a short exercise. Luckily, a passerby helped calling my family using his Vodafone network. When I reported the poor network status to EE a few months ago, I was told that some masks around my area have not been functioning for some time and EE could not provide a timeline address the issue. Unfortunately, the situation is still bad.

[Northerner]

Hi @Kane61 

You couldn't receive any signal as you don't need 5G to use your device no the EE network.

1. Are you on EE PAYG or pay monthly contract.
2. What device do you own.

Nor sure what you expect as there are hundreds of different variables to consider not just EE coverage which could be the issue. 

Mobile coverage looks good https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile-coverage-checker

No issues identified https://ee.co.uk/help/service-status/mobile

Thanks 

[bristolian]

You don't need 5G to make or receive calls. Did your phone show no coverage whatsoever, in a location it previously has (regardless of "G")?

I assume your reference to "masks" is a typo for "masts".

[Kane61]

There are four phones under my account, including a Samsung S21, Samsung S24, and an iPhone, and all of them are experiencing the same issue. My account is on a monthly contract. The coverage map shows ‘Outdoor Only’ service in my neighbourhood, yet in practice, even the outdoor signal is almost entirely unavailable in most areas. I contacted EE customer services and was informed that there are no plans to increase the number of masts.

[Kane61]

Sorry, that was a typo — I meant masts. There are no signal bars on my phone, and all of us have to rely on Wi‑Fi calling.

[bristolian]

FYI you have a short time after posting to edit, negating the need for multiple short replies. There's a few bits in your posts.

Regardless of the radio technology (or "G"), if you're getting no outdoor coverage in a large area where the maptool says you should, then I suspect an issue - if anything, it should work in reverse. Do any of your phones have a 4G-only/non-5G option to test with, by means of elimination?

I'm not sure what visibility CS have, of network rollout plans but the issue isn't necessarily that of insufficient radio sites. It may be that additional 5G-techs just need adding to existing sites that may "only" be carrying 2G & 4G currently.

[Kane61]

The EE coverage map classifies my neighbourhood, along with several other parts of Ilford, as ‘Outdoor Only’, whereas the Vodafone map shows excellent 5G and 5G Ultra coverage across most of Ilford. Based on these maps, Vodafone appears to offer better coverage in my area. In addition, within the zones marked as ‘Outdoor Only’ by EE, I have noticed during my exercise that there are areas where I cannot get any signal at all. When I reported this to EE support staff, I was told that signals can fluctuate due to wind and other environmental factors. I would assume it is technically feasible for EE to receive automatic feedback on signal strength from customers’ phones, and if customer consent is required for this, I am sure many would be willing to provide it. As for 4G‑only or non‑5G devices, I do not have any active ones. I may have some older handsets, but none with a working SIM.

[bristolian]

Much here seems to depend whether you are specifically seeking 5G coverage as the be-all-and-end-all, or whether overall service is your motivation, regardless of whether that means "only" 4G instead in some locations instead.

Wind itself doesn't affect coverage - only in the very specific scenario of your serving site suffering damage inflicted by strong winds! CS do have some amusing explanations for poor service sometimes.

The myEE app does have an opt-in facility to monitor network coverage.

[Kane61]

Comparison of 5G coverage around Ilford: EE (on the left) vs Vodafone (on the right).

Comparison of 5G coverage around Ilford: EE (on the left) vs Vodafone (on the right).

[Kane61]

A comparison of 5G coverage across London: EE (left) versus Vodafone (right). Does anyone know what the white and grey areas on the EE map represent, and whether EE has plans to improve its 5G coverage?