60 per cent of Brits check social media on their smartphones at least once a day, though checking social media occurs far less through mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) than traditional mobile networks.

According to mobile network benchmarking company Global Wireless Solutions (GWS), 66 per cent of O2, EE, and Three customers check social media once a day or more, while 59 per cent of Vodafone customers check social channels the same amount.

On the other hand, amongst MVNO customers, 34 per cent of those on TalkTalk Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, or Virgin Mobile never check social on their phones at all. This falls to 18 per cent amongst the big four mobile networks.

Elsewhere, the research found that 35 per cent of smartphone users say websites or apps not loading is the most common network issue they experience. And UK adults ranked browsing the internet as one of the most important phone functions along with calling and texting.

Surprisingly, just 26 per cent of 18 to 24-year olds say that high-quality video streaming is one of the most important mobile network performance features. Meanwhile, 65 per cent of UK adults now share photos and videos with friends and family on private chats, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, compared to 33 per cent who share content publicly on social media.