Online availability of an interactive map for mobile phone service in Herford County
The Herford district in North Rhine-Westphalia has published an interactive map in its Geoportal, offering a transparent overview of the current mobile network coverage situation within the district. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity, promoting digital education, and driving technological innovation.
District Administrator Jürgen Müller emphasised the importance of mobile network measurements, stating that mobile communication is essential infrastructure. He further expressed his gratitude for the data collected, which he described as a great service for citizens.
The data, collected at regular intervals, provides detailed data on mobile network coverage of every street that waste collection vehicles travel in the district. This thorough approach has resulted in few gaps, helping to close dead zones and underserved areas.
The data collection was a collaborative effort between the Herford district and three active waste management companies: Pre Zero, Berg, and the SWK of the city of Herford. The companies involved in the cooperation for collecting 4G mobile network coverage data in Herford in 2024 were Vodafone and Telekom.
Luc Niski, who provided the map in the Geoportal, stated that the data was collected in a simple yet highly effective manner. Citizens can now enter their address and see the reception and signal strength in their area, with the signal strength colour-coded according to its strength and broken down by providers Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefónica.
Birgit Rehberg, head of the responsible department for district development and climate protection, stressed the necessity of a stable mobile network for participation and sustainability. She further highlighted that closing dead zones promotes digital education, safe work, and reduces unnecessary travel.
Jürgen Müller also noted that a stable mobile network is crucial to drive technological innovation forward. The Herford district aims to support network operators in fixing the identified coverage gaps to ensure continuous improvement in mobile network coverage.
The map, accessible under the "Life & Living" tab in the Geoportal (https://geoportal.ourwebsite), serves as a valuable resource for residents and businesses in the Herford district, contributing to a more connected and sustainable future.
