A long anticipated map of mobile phone coverage blackspots across the State has been published by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

The map, which is available at comreg.ie, will allow phone users to quickly establish the level of coverage where they work or live and will help them make more informed choices based on predicted coverage availability in their area.

Phone users can search and zoom into particular areas or addresses using either eircodes or local addresses with the zoom function allowing people to narrow down their search of a selected location to 10x10 metres.

The map has been generated using data provided by the all the mobile network operators – Eir, Three Ireland and Vodafone. It also includes data for the mobile virtual network operators 48, Lycamobile, Postmobile, Tesco Mobile and Virgin Media.

Customers using 48, Tesco, Lycamobile and Virgin should check the Three Network. Post Mobile customers should check the Vodafone Network.

It is set out in a colour-coded format with dark brown showing very good coverage through to beige which shows fringe coverage.

It shows signal strength for all mobile service providers ranging from very good, good, fair, fringe and no coverage. It also offers the ability to check 2G (Voice), 3G (Data and Voice) and 4G (Data and Voice) coverage.

ComReg said it would update the map on a regular basis to reflect changes in coverage as operators expand their networks. ComReg will also launch a mobile phone app for the coverage map in due course.

“ComReg’s mobile phone coverage map gives users independent and consistent information about the coverage they can expect from different mobile networks at different locations,” said ComReg Commissioner Jeremy Godfrey.

“We all have different requirements for coverage, depending on where we live, work, study and spend our leisure time. The map will enable users to identify providers that can best meet their individual needs. It will also strengthen the competitive advantage that operators can gain from expanding their coverage”.