OFCOM reports highlight benefit of multi-network SIM cards
Analysing the OFCOM connected nations report 2025 reveals that utilising a multi-network SIM card instead of a single-network SIM card will improve network coverage. The whole report may be accessed here: Connected Nations 2025: UK report.
5G Coverage
If we look at page 31 we will see that 5G coverage outside UK premises is available from at least 1 MNO for 97% of the UK.
If we then look at page 33, where this is broken down per MNO, we see the following 5G coverage outside UK premises:
- BT/EE – 89%
- Three – 71%
- O2 – 76%
- Vodafone – 64%
Comparing these individual stats with the partial coverage percentage, we can conclude that a multi-network SIM card would increase 5G coverage across the UK from between 8% to 33% depending on the single-network SIM you compare it with.
4G Coverage
Pages 39-40 include 4G coverage statistics for all four mobile networks as well as partial coverage from at least one network. This is important because a multi-network SIM card will receive a signal where there is partial coverage, whereas a single-network SIM card may only receive a signal where there is full coverage.
- Full Coverage – 82%
- Coverage from at least 1 MNO – 96%
- No Coverage (not spots) – 4%
If we then look at page 37, where this is broken down per MNO, we see the following coverage UK-wide:
- BT/EE – 90%
- Three – 90%
- O2 – 89%
- Vodafone – 90%
Comparing these individual stats with the partial coverage percentage, we can conclude that a multi-network SIM card would increase 4G coverage across the UK by at least 6%.
Next, if we take a look at the data on page 28, which reveals the geographic areas not served by any operator.
- UK – 4%
- Scotland – 10%
- Northern Ireland – 2%
- Wales – 3%
- England – 1%
From these figures, we can calculate the 4G geographic coverage provided by a multi-network SIM as follows:
- UK – 96%
- Scotland – 90%
- Northern Ireland – 98%
- Wales – 97%
- England – 99%