The BBC has announced a collaboration with network analysis firm Epitiro that will see the broadcaster measure the quality of mobile broadband coverage in the UK.

Over the next month, the BBC will use a smartphone app developed by Epitiro to chart existing levels of 2G and 3G coverage across the country, with the results set to be displayed on an interactive map at the end of the study period.

Gavin Johns, chief executive of Epitiro, claimed mobile coverage is the "number one issue" affecting consumers.

He urged people to download the app, which is compatible with Android smartphones, in order to measure the service received in their area.

"As mobile broadband is important to many of us, we hope people volunteer and make the project a success," Mr Johns remarked.

Ofcom is another organisation to realise the importance of mobile coverage to the average consumer. In May, the telecoms watchdog published the results of its first ever study into mobile broadband access after performing more than 4.2 million speed tests.

According to the regulator, 17 per cent of UK households use mobile broadband to get online, with seven per cent relying on the technology as their only means of browsing the web - up from three per cent in 2009.

In areas of strong 3G coverage, Ofcom found the average mobile broadband speed stood at 2.1Mbps in November and December, although this figure dropped to 1.7Mbps during peak times. Across the country as a whole, the average speed was measured at 1.5Mbps.

Responding to news of the BBC's survey, network operator 3 Mobile argued changes must be made to the way consumers are informed about signal strength.

"There is no common standard for measuring coverage and some operators tend to grossly exaggerate. We like to manage people's expectations," claimed Phil Sheppard, the carrier's head of network strategy.

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