New Map of UK Cellular Coverage Goes Live to Help Examine Mobile Masts
A group of friends in the UK cellular (mobile networks) community have launched a new interactive map – UKCellNet RF Map – that allows hobbyists and professionals to access public cellular data (e.g. location and data on mobile phone mast sites etc.) for free – sourced from places like SiteFinder, Ofcom, planning applications and council FOI / EIR requests etc.
The map, which has taken months of development, is still somewhat of an early stage work-in-progress project. The goal seems to be to provide a free and accessible alternative to paid services like Mastdata and the team are planning to implement more data, as well as features, as they go.
The map already has a few tools, such as different map layers, range of datasets, measuring tools and a Line-of-Sight (LoS) tool to draw basic coverage maps. But it’s still in beta and more futures are coming soon. For example, the website mentions future plans for “comprehensive technical data including roaming agreements, SIM information, band configurations, and operator specifications“.
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Ryan D, Founder and Developer of UKCellNet, told ISPreview:
“UKCellNet, specifically the UKCellNet RF Map, is a free alternative to various paid platforms. It allows hobbyists and professionals to access public cellular data including SiteFinder and Ofcom WTR data all in one centralized map at no cost.
Our map currently features basic tools that allow users to change the map source, filter datasets, measure distances and azimuths, and generate Line of Sight (LoS) overlays for a general idea of a cell’s coverage in a 360° radius.
We plan to improve the mobile experience and add further map tools. We are also developing a street cabinet guide for the main UKCellNet page – including their respective model numbers – covering both CTIL and MBNL infrastructure.”
We think this looks like a very promising project and are keen to see how it evolves over the coming year(s), although you do have to sign up on the website before being able to view the map.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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And harvesting user data to view the maps
Companies that insist on account creation are usually not worth trusting in the first place
I’m certainly not creating an account just to view mast data
It would be nice to see what you get before signing up, at present going to the map just takes you to a “sign in” page! Perhaps a limited view of just one small area, or limited time, or something as a preview before you register.