Scotland's best mobile networks: 4G/5G coverage & speeds
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We rank the best networks for mobile signal and data performance across Scotland and show you cheaper providers that use them. Last updated: 25th June 2024.
Finding Scotland's best mobile network
We've studied network maps and data speed tests
✔ Tricky geography for mobile networksSkip to best in cities
Scotland can be a trickier place than the rest of Britain to build a mobile network. There’s a mix of big populated cities and smaller towns, with challenging geography and sparsely populated rural areas.
Because mobile networks perform differently in each, we’ve split this guide into: the best network in Scotland’s town & cities, the best network in the Highlands & Islands and an overall winner for moving around.
We’ve studied each of the mobile networks’ official 3G/4G/5G coverage maps and independent signal mapping projects. We’ve also looked at Scotland-specific speed test results from network testers.
And we’ll also cover any other features that each network offers that help you stay connected in poor signal areas, plus point out some of the cheaper providers that use each of the main networks.
Useful links: Best networks in towns and cities | Best networks in Highlands and Islands
Towns and cities
Highlands & Islands
Overall winner
Best network in Scottish towns and cities
1st: Three are impressive in urban areas, particularly for 5G
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Three are the best network for urban Scottish users. You’ll get 4G basically everywhere in bigger cities and 4G coverage is generally strong in smaller towns. You can check your local area here using their map.
In Edinburgh, Three cover most of the city with 5G which also goes for Glasgow too. Three also provide excellent 5G signal in Aberdeen and good 5G coverage in Dundee, Kilmarnock and other smaller towns.
Three are the second fastest 4G network in Scotland according to Opensignal, with typical speeds of 31.2 Mbps. And they have the fastest typical 5G speeds in Scotland of a blistering fast 210 Mbps.
This all makes Three excellent for urban-based phone or mobile broadband customers. Heavy data users will love the strong 5G coverage and speeds, while their healthy 4G will mean you can browse without buffering.
Useful link: Check coverage near you with Three’s signal map
There are plenty of smaller providers that use Three too
If you want to access Three’s network on a cheap, flexible deal then it’s worth looking at SMARTY, iD Mobile and Honest Mobile. They offer an identical network experience to being on Three directly.
SMARTY offer all of their plans on flexible, low-cost 1-month deals that you can switch or leave each month. And you get 10% off each extra SIM you add to your account, which is handy for setting up a family plan.
iD Mobile are another low-cost option, but their best value deals are on their 12-month contracts. But they offer data rollover on all plans to help you get the most out of your data.
Honest Mobile’s plans are generally a bit more expensive than Three’s, but they do offer the unique selling point in being the UK’s most sustainable mobile provider.
Useful link: Our guide to all the providers on Three’s network
2nd: EE are unsurprisingly good in Scottish cities too
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Our research showed EE are the next best choice for urban-based Scottish users, mostly due to their generally excellent 4G and 5G data coverage. We think they have the best 4G signal in Scotland and 5G in loads of locations.
In Edinburgh, EE’s map shows even better coverage than on Three, with similarly excellent coverage in Glasgow and Aberdeen. But coverage in smaller places like Dundee, Ayr and so on seem to be a bit of a weakness.
EE have replaced most of their 3G call signal masts with 4G/5G data signal ones. This has improved their 4G/5G (which you can also use for VoLTE calls) but older 3G-only phone users can’t use data and can only call over 2G.
But another big strength of EE is their 4G data speeds, with Opensignal measuring typical 4G speeds of 35.9 Mbps across Scotland with them. But their typical 5G speeds of 78.7 Mbps in Scotland are underwhelming compared to Three’s.
And most EE plans have speed caps, so they’re not ideal for demanding data users. But their 5G speeds will still be more than fast enough for your average user. In all, their signal keeps them in second place.
Useful link: Check signal near you using EE’s map
There are plenty of cheaper providers using EE’s network
If you want to get access to EE’s Scottish network strengths at lower costs, there are a lot of smaller providers you can join. 1pMobile, Co-op Mobile and spusu offer identical coverage to being on EE directly.
spusu and 1p are our favourite of these as they offer great value on flexible 1-month SIM only deals and spusu let you join on an eSIM.
And they, like the rest of the providers on EE, get full access to EE’s 5G network. Your choice between them could ultimately come down to which one offers the best deal or extra features (read our guide here).
Lyca Mobile and Talk Home Mobile don’t get access to EE’s entire 4G network, so coverage will be a bit weaker on these. But this will have more of an effect in rural areas but can still mean lower capacity in towns and cities.
Useful link: Our guide to all the smaller providers on EE
3rd: O2’s urban coverage is good but speeds let them down
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O2 find themselves in third place mainly due to their very underwhelming speeds in Scotland. Opensignal measured typical 4G speeds of 19.4 Mbps and 5G data speeds of 77.1 Mbps in Scotland on O2.
That holds them back from ranking any higher, despite our research finding O2’s coverage to be really good. In the locations we checked, O2 had the best 5G coverage of all networks with typically strong 4G signal too.
And their map shows O2 have the best call signal (3G/2G) in urban Scotland too, plus their call signal is good at getting into buildings. If you still get indoor blackspots, O2 offer WiFi calling as a way around this.
On top of that, you can stay connected in places you’d otherwise get no signal or save a bit of data using O2’s WiFi hotspots. They have loads in Scotland, even in smaller towns, so check your local area here.
Useful link: Check signal near you using O2’s map here
You can access O2’s network with other providers
There are a handful of providers on O2’s network, with Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile being the more popular ones while giffgaff also have a decent user base. They all offer identical signal to being on O2 directly.
giffgaff offer low costs on flexible 1-month SIM only deals and longer 18-month contracts. They also offer access to some of O2’s WiFi hotspots, but we can’t say how many of these are specifically in Scotland.
Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile sell longer SIM only and phone contracts. But these tend to be cheaper than joining O2 directly, with some other handy benefits included on them.
Tesco offer better value Clubcard deals for Clubcard holders and let you turn points on your shopping into vouchers. Sky offer free data streaming and data rollover. Your choice will come down to what you prefer.
Useful link: Our guide to the providers on O2’s network
4th: Vodafone speeds are good but can be gaps in coverage
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Our investigations found that Vodafone might be the weakest choice for urban Scottish users, mostly because they don’t excel in any area. Their coverage is good but not the best. The same goes for their speeds.
Opensignal measured typical 5G speeds of 130.9 Mbps in Scotland. While fast, they’re still behind Three. For 4G, they measured typical speeds of 22.1 Mbps, only coming out ahead of O2, which doesn’t say much.
Our research found Vodafone offer excellent 4G data coverage, but we wouldn’t say it’s any better than what you get on the other networks. And their 5G coverage is good in some areas, but is strangely weak in Edinburgh.
For calls, Vodafone have switched most of their 3G/2G call signal masts over to 4G/5G. This has improved 4G/5G data coverage, but it means users on old 3G-only phones won’t be able to connect data.
In our eyes, the issue with Vodafone isn’t that they’re bad, they just fail to stand out. If you want fast 5G, join Three. If you want fast 4G, join EE. If you want the best 5G signal, join O2.
Useful link: Check coverage using Vodafone’s map
Get on Vodafone’s network with lots of cheaper providers
Talkmobile, ASDA Mobile, VOXI and Lebara are all smaller providers that offer better value plans than joining Vodafone directly. They all offer full access to Vodafone’s network and only ASDA have any speed caps.
Talkmobile offer some of the best value 1-month and 12-month contracts around. But they don’t really offer any additional benefits on top of this.
VOXI and Lebara both offer flexible, great value 1-month deals. But VOXI include unlimited social media and streaming data, while Lebara include a different number of international mins depending on your plan.
On ASDA your speeds will only be capped on their unlimited data deals. Their most expensive plan is limited to 150 Mbps, so you won’t get peak 5G speeds on these. But their non-unlimited plans have no speed caps.
Useful link: Our guide to the networks on Vodafone
Best networks in the Highlands, Islands and rural Scotland
1st: O2 are great for long-range coverage in rural Scotland
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We found O2 were a clear winner when researching which network provides the best overall coverage in rural and remote areas of Scotland. We checked 2G/3G and 4G signal in the Highlands and Islands.
In the Highlands you’ll generally get 2G/3G signal in most places, unless you’re somewhere incredibly geographically difficult to get signal to. And we were surprised at how well they cover the Highlands with 4G data signal.
We also looked at signal in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands. You’ll get 3G in most areas in these islands and 4G data coverage seems genuinely really impressive, especially in the Shetland Islands.
While O2’s call signal (3G/2G) is good at getting into buildings, it’s still possible to lose signal indoors. O2 have good WiFi calling to get around this, but it can be hard to get it working on older Android phones.
Opensignal show O2 are the slowest 4G network in Scotland though, but this includes results in large towns. The speed difference between O2 and other networks in rural areas may not be as noticeable as results suggest.
Useful link: Check O2 signal using their map here
You can benefit from O2’s rural network with these providers
The providers that piggyback off O2’s network for signal, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile and giffgaff all offer identical signal to being on O2. So you’ll get excellent rural Scottish 3G and 4G at lower costs than joining O2.
giffgaff offer flexible, good value 1-month deals or 18-month plans at even lower monthly costs and are usually the cheapest way onto O2’s network. But the lack of WiFi calling might be an issue, if signal is weak at home.
Sky offer good value on 12-month SIM only contracts. Their free data streaming could be useful in remote Scotland instead of home broadband and their data rollover might help prevent you from going over your allowance.
Tesco Mobile have decently priced 12 and 24-month plans, with even better value deals for Clubcard holders. And if you’ve got a Tesco shop nearby you can benefit from their Clubcard voucher scheme (read more here).
Useful link: Read our guide to the providers on O2’s network
2nd: Three have strong 3G and good 4G in remote Scottish areas
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Looking at their map you’ll find Three are one of the best choices of all networks for staying connected in the Islands. In the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland both 3G and 4G signal were even more widespread than O2.
That’s surprising given our research also found their 4G data coverage in the Highlands to be a bit behind the other networks. But O2’s 2G/3G is very good in the Highlands, which really helps stay connected to calls.
It does mean that if you live in the Highlands you might prefer to be on O2, but it’s worth checking both Three’s signal map and O2’s map. If you get good 4G on both, Three’s better speed results might win you over.
However, you shouldn’t expect the same sorts of speeds you’d get in urban areas. And Opensignal’s report uses these higher results when making its average. We expect 4G to be a bit faster on Three than on O2.
In all, we’re impressed by Three’s coverage in the Islands and that’s why they’re this high up. But their weaker Highland signal might mean O2 are the better choice if you live there or want to move around.
Useful link: Check coverage near you using Three’s map
You’ve got other options to get on Three’s rural network
iD Mobile, SMARTY and Honest Mobile all offer an identical network coverage/speed experience to being on Three directly. So you won’t have to worry about any signal differences on these if you’re rurally based.
SMARTY are arguably our favourite as they offer some of the best value 1-month SIM only deals of all networks. These let you change plans or leave whenever you want so you can save vs being on Three directly.
iD Mobile are another great value option, especially on their longer 12-month contracts. If you want a more flexible 1-month contract they’re still a decent option and offer data rollover on all their pay monthly deals.
Finally, Honest Mobile aren’t as good value as SMARTY or iD Mobile but still offer better flexibility on their plans than Three. And they’re the best network when it comes to environmental issues (read more here).
Useful link: Our guide to the providers on Three’s network
3rd: Vodafone have great rural Scottish 4G data coverage
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All of the main UK networks are removing their 3G networks and converting their masts to 4G ones, to provide more widespread 4G in rural areas. Vodafone are doing this faster than any other network.
That means you won’t get 3G call signal in remote Scottish areas anymore. You can connect to 2G call signal for now and their map shows this is very widespread. Vodafone haven’t got any plans to remove 2G any time soon.
But 3G is also used for data, so users on older 3G-only devices won’t be able to connect to data at all anymore. However, the switch from 3G masts to 4G ones should mean better rural 4G for users on newer phones.
Our research showed they have good 4G in the Highlands and Islands. They do come in third place in Opensignal’s report for typical 4G speeds, which isn’t great. But 4G should still be fast enough for browsing.
In all, users on older phones will likely want to steer clear of Vodafone. But they’re a good choice if you’re on a newer device, especially one with 4G calling. Still, the networks above are usually better choices.
Useful link: How the 3G/2G switch off will affect you
Get on Vodafone’s network without the high prices
The smaller providers on Vodafone’s network, VOXI, Talkmobile, ASDA Mobile and Lebara, all offer identical coverage to being on Vodafone. All of them also offer better value per GB on their plans than Vodafone.
VOXI’s Unlimited Social Media and Unlimited Video benefits might work nicely even in some remote areas due to Vodafone’s good 4G coverage. This can save a bit of data and prevent you from going over your allowance.
Talkmobile are probably the best value choice as they tend to offer some of the lowest cost plans of all networks. But Lebara are also a good choice, especially if you don’t mind joining on a longer contract.
ASDA are also a good choice. The speed caps on their unlimited plans won’t be as noticeable in already-slower rural areas, but they’re not as cheap as Talkmobile and don’t offer many benefits like VOXI do.
Useful link: Our guide to the providers on Vodafone’s network
Joint Last: EE had the least widespread signal in rural Scotland
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EE come in last place as our research has found their coverage in rural Scotland is quite weak. They do have decent 4G data signal, but it’s still less widespread than on O2 and Vodafone.
However, EE have started to turn off their 3G network. That makes coverage for calls and data weaker in the Highlands than on some of the networks above and can be bad if you’re on an old phone without 4G calling.
You can still connect to calls over 2G, but you might run into indoor calling blackspots. These are more common on EE than some other networks and if your phone isn’t supported for WiFi calling, you’re out of luck.
And EE’s 4G signal is particularly weak in the Islands compared to the networks above. There are some big blackspots in the Hebrides and coverage tends to be weaker in Orkney and the Shetlands than on O2 and Three.
While EE may have the highest typical 4G speeds according to Opensignal, it’s worth remembering their rural 4G will typically fall under that. But we think EE’s rural 4G will still be faster than other networks’.
In all, there isn’t much evidence yet that EE’s 3G shut off is benefitting their 4G network in Scotland. This will probably change in time, but for now we see as EE the weakest network for rural signal in Scotland.
Useful link: Check EE’s coverage map here
Joint Last: The smaller providers on EE’s network
When it comes to rural signal on the smaller providers on EE’s network there are two groups. 1pMobile, spusu and Co-Op Mobile get full access to EE’s network while Lyca Mobile and Talk Home Mobile don’t.
1pMobile and spusu are similar in that they are budget providers with great value 1-month SIM only plans. 1p also have the cheapest PAYG tariffs of all UK networks, making them a great choice for infrequent users:
Co-Op Mobile offer similar prices to being on EE directly, but offer much more flexible 1-month SIM only deals than EE’s longer 12 and 24-month contracts. This can make them a good option as well:
Talk Home and Lyca don’t get access to EE’s band 20 4G masts. These are often the masts EE uses to broadcast 4G in remote areas and as such you’ll get inferior signal on these providers if you live rurally.
Useful link: Our guide to the providers on EE’s network
Our overall winner for best network in Scotland
Three provide the best overall mix of coverage in Scotland
If you’re a Scottish user who moves around fairly frequently, commutes from remote to urban areas or if you just want the best shot of not running into signal blackspots, Three are the best choice in our eyes.
Their urban coverage and data speeds make them a brilliant choice for urban based users. And users who live in the Islands of Scotland will also benefit from strong 3G and 4G signal even as they move around.
The only downside is Three’s weaker 4G signal in the Highlands, but it’s largely made up for with their excellent 3G signal. While O2 have better 4G in the Highlands, their slow speeds make this less impressive.
They also offer better value on their contracts than the other main networks on top of offering a better overall network experience. But it is still worth checking signal near you before joining any of the networks.
Useful link: Read our full review of Three’s coverage and benefits
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