Vodafone used their network of 2,000 microwave radio links within the River Severn catchment and surrounding counties to develop a source of precipitation data which was the first of its kind in the UK.
Blended with the existing ground surface rainfall data and radar data, it is anticipated that this new data source which measures rainfall and moisture in the low atmosphere using the mobile network as a virtual rain gauge will help to improve weather nowcasting, forecasting and the response to real-time extreme rainfall events.
The project worked with local partners, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the Met Office to test the data accuracy and potential for integration with partner’s own models and visualisation systems.
The project won the 2025 Future Networks “Radical Breakthrough” Award.