Calling for help! Britain's mobile phone signal worse than Kazakhstan, Cambodia and Romania - with London's download speeds slower than war-torn Kharkiv

Published: 15:56, 12 July 2026 | Updated: 16:00, 12 July 2026 Romania, Kazakhstan and Cambodia now have faster mobile speeds than Britain, laying bare the country's deteriorating phone signal problem. The UK - which has notoriously weak signal across countryside areas - now risks falling behind underdeveloped nations after new data ranked it just 61st worldwide for fastest download speeds, at an average of 77 Mbps.  The data, which was measured by data company Ookla, put Britain below Romania, who came in at 57th place with an average speed of 87 Mbps, Kazakhstan, who placed 56th at 88 Mbps, and Cambodia, who ranked in 50th place with a speed averaging 99 Mbps.  In London, download speeds were shown to be slower than that in Kharkiv -  Ukraine's second largest city currently facing drone strikes from Russia.  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked number one in the world in terms of connectivity at 643 Mbps, followed by neighbouring Qatar in second place at 570 Mbps. Kuwait placed in third with an average download speed of 374 Mbps, with Bahrain and Brazil ranking fourth and fifth, respectively.  The data comes amid warnings Britain risks being left in a productivity crisis if network issues continue to fall short, falling behind less economically developed nations.   Gareth Elliot is the director of policy at Mobile UK, a trade body representing EE, Virgin, O2 and Vodafone and Three. Mr Elliot warned the UK's phone signal problem must be addressed as 'a matter of urgency'. The UK has ranked just 61st worldwide for fastest download speeds Planning battles over building new phone masts has meant rising demand has not been met He said: 'Despite significant investment from network operators, the UK's mobile connectivity lags behind international competitors. 'Better mobile connectivity underpins everyday life, business growth and better public services. Clear action on both must be a first 100-day priority of the new prime minister.' Britain's slow connectivity comes as experts say necessary upgrades to its infrastructure are being muted by a 'Nimby' planning system keeping download speeds lagging.  Operators have also claimed the building of new phone masts has been blocked in the past by council planning officers due to complaints from the public.  At present, councils make decisions regarding critical national infrastructure upgrades.  Planning battles over the erection of phone masts has meant rising demand has not been met, despite 96 per cent of Britain now being covered by 4G connection. As such, using the internet on mobiles or to make calls in crowded areas has become increasingly difficult for Brits - despite their phone indicating full bars of signal.  A government spokesman told The Telegraph they are seeking to 'deliver a better service' for customers.  They said: 'Through the Shared Rural Network, 4G coverage from at least one operator now reaches more than 96 per cent of the UK landmass. 'We are also working with industry and Ofcom to improve network performance and reviewing planning rules to speed up digital infrastructure rollout, helping networks keep pace with demand and deliver a better service for consumers.' Natalie Black, Ofcom's head of infrastructure and connectivity, added: 'We will work closely with industry, government, local authorities and others to break down barriers standing in the way of progress, so we make everyday life more seamless, and ensure people get more out of the service they pay for.' 'Mobile connectivity underpins everyday life. Clear action must be a priority of the new PM.'