The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) in North East England has announced a new initiative to map local mobile network coverage by equipping refuse collection trucks with monitoring technology.
The project, funded by £32,490 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aims to create the most detailed and accurate picture yet of 4G and 5G signal strength across the region, including Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.
This approach builds on previous efforts by companies like Streetwave, which have used similar methods to gather mobile data across large parts of the UK. Inakalum, a digital mapping specialist, will install smartphones with specialised monitoring software onto bin lorries. As these vehicles operate their regular routes, they will record data on network coverage and data speeds across all four major networks — EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three UK.
The collected data will help identify areas with poor reception, guiding future improvements and enabling the creation of a new Tees Valley Mobile Coverage Checker. This tool aims to assist residents, businesses, and public services in understanding signal quality in their area.
“We’re already making strides with jobs, investment, and regeneration, but we need to go further in addressing digital blackspots that hinder progress. Whether you’re on a farm in East Cleveland or running a business in Darlington, decent signal shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s a basic necessity. To unlock our full potential as a digital leader, everyone must be properly connected,” said Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.
The project may expand beyond bin wagons to include other vehicles or even on-foot surveys, targeting specific locations, events, or rural communities where signal issues are known. Local residents and groups are encouraged to share areas or upcoming events that could benefit from enhanced mobile coverage.
