Bin lorries are being deployed in a project to map mobile phone coverage across Rotherham, aiming to improve connectivity for residents and businesses
The 12-month initiative, worth £34,000 and funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), will allow people to check their signal strength at home, on the move, and at work—helping them make informed decisions before committing to a mobile contract.
In partnership with mobile analytics specialists Streetwave, the project is capturing real-time data on signal strength, upload and download speeds, and network frequency across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Specialist measuring equipment, installed on recycling lorries and street sweepers, collects the data during their normal rounds. This information will feed into a free, interactive online map and postcode checker, showing which of the UK’s four main mobile networks—EE, O2, Three and Vodafone—provide the best coverage in each area.
The mapping work has started in Barnsley and will extend to Doncaster, Sheffield, and Rotherham. A second round of data collection will follow to ensure accuracy and consistency.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Digital connectivity isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Whether it’s accessing public services, running a business or just staying in touch with friends and family.
“Too many people in South Yorkshire are still stuck in mobile ‘not spots’ where coverage is patchy or non-existent.
“That’s why it’s important this project is giving us the data we need to change. To make sure everyone in South Yorkshire can get the signal they need, wherever they live.”
This vital mapping project will provide a detailed, street-by-street view of mobile connectivity and coverage, helping to highlight areas with poor or no signal, supporting SYMCA’s work to push for better coverage across the region and assist local authority planning teams when considering applications for new masts and infrastructure.
The postcode checker and interactive map will go live once data collection is complete in each area. It’s expected Barnsley’s data will be available to the public in the coming weeks.
