BRIGHTON and Hove has the slowest mobile internet speeds in the country.

The report by consumer group Which? found mobile 4G connection “varies wildly” across the UK and lags behind the likes of Estonia and Peru for overall availability.

Stoke-on-Trent was found to have the best average 4G download speeds while Brighton has the slowest.

The average overall 4G availability across the UK is 65 per cent, meaning mobile users can only access 4G nearly two-thirds of the time.

The comparison of 20 of the biggest cities across the UK placed London 16th in the table while Middlesbrough was top.

Which? is calling on the next government to work with Ofcom and mobile providers to ensure that “critical” reforms are made to deliver better performance and service for customers.

The OpenSignal study analysed more than 500 million data readings from mobile phones taken from more than 30,000 users between December 1 and February 28.

Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said: “These latest findings underline the need for Ofcom to keep the pressure on mobile operators, so that every part of the country gets a decent service on their mobile phone.

“Our mobile phone is central to how we live our lives and that is why it is so frustrating when we can’t access emails or browse the internet on the go.”

OpenSignal chief executive Brendan Gill said: “The mobile data experience isn’t the same in every city. OpenSignal users found 4G signals more often in Middlesbrough than in Manchester and faster 4G connections in Stoke than London.”

An Ofcom spokeswoman said: “We agree that mobile coverage must improve and understand the importance of having reliable mobile broadband, wherever people live and work. Ofcom rules mean that virtually all UK premises must receive a 4G signal by the end of this year. We’re also making available valuable new airwaves to boost mobile broadband.”