Across the UK, SIM cards are being sold in areas where the network has no usable signal. Customers activate the SIM, top up, and then discover they cannot make calls, send texts, or use mobile data. Retailers are not required to check coverage before selling.

This leaves customers paying for a service that physically cannot work where they live.

The Problem

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• SIMs sold in areas with zero mast coverage.

• No obligation for retailers to check coverage before selling.

• Customers blamed for “device issues” when the SIM fails.

• Refunds often refused because the SIM was “activated”.

• People left without connectivity in emergencies.

Why It Happens

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• Retailers are incentivised to sell SIMs, not verify coverage.

• Networks rely on optimistic coverage maps that don’t reflect reality.

• Indoor coverage is ignored in marketing claims.

• No regulation forces networks to warn customers about dead zones.

• Customers are expected to “try it and see” at their own cost.

What Needs to Change

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• Mandatory coverage checks at point of sale.

• Refunds guaranteed when a SIM has no usable signal.

• Accurate coverage maps based on real‑world testing.

• Clear warnings for known dead‑zone postcodes.

• Regulation to stop networks selling unusable services.