There are many cell phone operators within the UK, however lots of them ‘piggyback’ off the networks supplied by the large 4 – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
So, who makes use of which community and what benefits are there of utilizing a piggyback service? Right here is the whole lot you must find out about them.
What’s a piggyback cellphone community?
Establishing a cell phone community isn’t any small feat. You want transmitters and different costly infrastructure that value big quantities of cash, so it isn’t doable for plenty of corporations to create them.
As a method to offset a few of these prices, the community homeowners permit others to pay to make use of them. That’s why these are referred to as piggyback companies.
Howeverf, formally they’re often known as MVNOs, which stands for Cell Digital Community Operators.
What are the primary networks within the UK?
There are 4 important networks:
In 2023, Three and Vodafone introduced their intention to merge, however the means of this being permitted and finalised will take some time, if it occurs in any respect. So, in the intervening time we nonetheless have 4 main suppliers within the UK.
Additionaly, due to MVNOs, there’s a much wider selection of the place to get a a SIM, and sometimes for a a lot decrease value than utilizing one of many important 4.
Right here’s a breakdown of the primary MVNOs within the UK, and which of the ‘actual’ networks they use. That’s necessary as a result of protection does range between them, and if you need 5G, it’s sensible to examine if that’s accessible the place you reside, work and go recurrently.
Listed here are the primary MVNOs within the UK.
Which MVNOs use the EE community?
Which MVNOs use the O2 community?
Which MVNOs use the Three community?
Which MVNOs use the Vodafone community?
Advantages of a piggyback cell operator
Whereas it might sound that apparent factor to do is to get a SIM card immediately from EE, O2, Three or Vodafone – the individuals who really personal the networks – there are some good causes to choose a piggyback operator.
As these MVNOs don’t have the extra value of sustaining and enhancing the networks, it permits them to supply some severe benefits for his or her clients.
That’s why one of many hallmarks of piggyback suppliers is which you could often get cheaper plans by signing up with them. That is notably true if you happen to maintain your current cellphone and go for a SIM-only deal.
For example, on the time of writing O2 is providing a SIM-only deal that features limitless calls, limitless texts and 12GB of knowledge for £17.99 per 30 days, and that’s a two-year contract.
Alternatively, Giffgaff (which makes use of the O2 community) gives the identical deal however with 40GB of knowledge as a substitute, for £15 per 30 days and you’ll cancel at any time because it’s a month-to-month rolling contract. Clearly a lot better worth.
Artur Tomala / Foundry
Artur Tomala / Foundry
Artur Tomala / Foundry
Because the tariffs talked about above present, MVNOs are free to supply extra flexibility of their plans, which in flip makes it extra probably that you simply’ll have the ability to discover one which fits your wants. One of many largest benefits is that many supply rolling month-to-month plans the place you’ll be able to cease paying at any time and transfer to a special supplier if you happen to spot a greater deal.
You would possibly nonetheless need to join an extended contract, however on the different finish of the dimensions, there are pay-as-you-go plans that imply you solely pay for the information, calls and texts you make. That is the type of freedom you received’t typically get with one of many 4 main networks.
If you happen to’re travelling or wish to check out one other community then the month-to-month rolling choices are low-risk as you received’t be tied into an extended contract. This may very well be notably useful if you happen to’ve simply moved to a brand new location and discover that your current community protection isn’t very robust there.
Downsides of a piggyback cell operator
One factor you don’t get are the bonus options which might be typically utilized by main networks as incentives to choose them as a substitute. These would possibly embrace free subscriptions to streaming companies, reductions at retailers or different leisure perks.
For instance, the Three+ incentive scheme consists of offers at Cineworld, Caffe Nero, Nike, Uber Eats and extra, plus entry to presale tickets to concert events and festivals. O2 Precedence could be very comparable.
Artur Tomala / Foundry
Artur Tomala / Foundry
Artur Tomala / Foundry
One other factor is that you could be additionally discover that the vary of telephones accessible on the plans from main networks is healthier than on MVNOs. So, if you happen to do suppose you wish to purchase a brand new cellphone in your plan then it could be price checking just a few completely different networks earlier than you enroll.
Finally, help can also be price taking into consideration. To supply a less expensive service, you might discover {that a} piggyback operator doesn’t have phone help. If you happen to need assistance, you might need to fill out a web-based type. Giffgaff depends closely on help from its personal neighborhood, for instance.
There are two completely different companies that are MVNOs but in addition sub-brands of the bigger networks. These are Smarty, which is a part of Three, and Voxi, which is a part of Vodafone. Each have some nice offers, so you will get one of the best of each worlds if you wish to use the Three or Vodafone networks.
Why select a piggyback cell operator?
For most individuals, getting a SIM from Lebara, Tesco or one of many different piggyback suppliers will save some huge cash and provides extra freedom to modify everytime you need.
You would possibly miss out on the varied incentives supplied by main networks, however the cash you save is nearly actually price extra. Notably, you’ll get the identical protection and speeds (many MVNOs supply 5G as normal now) and roaming choices, too.
As with all cellphone plan, you need to examine the newest offers from each the community operators and people who piggyback off them. And as you would possibly count on, we’ve rounded up one of the best SIM-only offers to avoid wasting you time.
For extra particulars, check out our roundup of one of the best cellphone networks and greatest Pay As You Go networks within the UK.