What is a mobile network?
A mobile network is the infrastructure that enables your phone and other mobile devices, such as tablets, to connect with each other and to the internet. The network is made up of a myriad of interconnected cellular receivers (mobile phone towers) and base stations.
Base stations direct mobile traffic, much like air traffic control for airports. Towers and base stations work together to deliver coverage to users. All providers use the same network but, to minimise interference, they use slightly different frequencies.
What are 3G, 4G, and 5G?
The G stands for ‘generation’, and 3G refers to the third generation of mobile technology, 4G to the fourth generation and so on. When mobile technology began (1G), this only enabled analogue use and limited users to voice calls. When 2G arrived, it allowed users to send text messages.
The greatest shift came with 3G, which meant that mobile phone users could send digital messages including images, video and email, as well as access the internet. Fundamentally, 3G paved the way for smartphones and the wireless technology many of us now take for granted. After 3G came 4G, which allowed data to be sent and received at speeds to rival most broadband connections. Even more recent is the rollout of 5G, which is already available in a number of towns and cities in the UK and will allow for even faster data speeds.
Mobile Networks UK
In the UK, there are just four mobile networks, often referred to as the ‘big four’. These companies are the ones that physically own mobile network infrastructure. They are:
Mobile virtual network operators
As well as the four main mobile network providers, there are a number of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). These mobile operators don’t own their own mobile network and rent space from the big four instead – an agreement known as piggybacking.
It’s worth bearing in mind that piggybacking from one of the main operators means a provider gets the same network coverage as the operator it piggybacks off. In other words, if you’re in an area that you know isn’t covered by one of the big four, you’ll need to make sure any MVNO you choose doesn’t piggyback off that provider.
There are plenty of virtual network operators to choose from, ranging in size and popularity. Some of the smaller mobile phone providers have carved out particular niches, so if you’re after a specific feature such as unlimited data or unlimited texts and minutes, there will be a particular provider worth considering. Lebara, for example, uses the Vodafone network and is particularly good if you’re on a tight budget but need to make regular international calls.
Like Lebara, Voxi also piggybacks off Vodafone’s network. Voxi’s niche is that it offers Endless Social Media packages, which enable you to access all the social media apps you like without using up your data allowance. Larger virtual network operators in the UK include:
giffgaff
giffgaff operates on the O2 network. Its major point of difference is that it was one of the first providers to be community based. Fundamentally, this means that it offers no official customer service support, although there are giffgaff agents to handle billing and account queries.
If you have a query, you’ll need to ask the rest of the giffgaff community (made up of other customers) by posting the issue on the community forum page. It’s not a customer service approach that suits everyone but it clearly works for many people as giffgaff is now one of the largest providers in Britain.
giffgaff primarily offers SIM-only plans (called Goodybags) but it also offers unlocked, SIM-free mobile phones such as Samsung, iPhone or Android that are either new or reconditioned if you need one.
Tesco Mobile
Tesco Mobile is another MVNO that operates using the O2 network, offering both contract or SIM-only plans. If you’re a regular Tesco supermarket shopper, you’ll benefit from Clubcard discounts and offers.
Other rewards include Family Perks, which are for anyone with more than one Tesco Mobile number on their account. Adding other family members means you can choose one of a selection of free perks each month. Offers include extra data allowance, money off your next phone bill, extra Clubcard points or extra Tesco Mobile call minutes.
BT Mobile
Part of the BT Group, BT Mobile piggybacks off EE’s network, so you’ll get excellent mobile phone coverage for 4G as well as 5G where it’s available. You can choose from SIM-only deals, monthly contracts and data-only plans if you don’t want to make calls or send texts.
Existing BT customers will get discounts on their mobile each month. BT Halo customers can also opt for BT’s No Limits plan, which offers unlimited plans on your mobile, home phone and broadband. Some data plans will give you access to BT Sport from your smartphone.
BT Mobile also offers family SIM deals, which promise to save you at least 20% per SIM compared to buying them individually.
Sky Mobile
Sky Mobile operates using the O2 network, so you’ll get 99% coverage in the UK. You can choose from contract and SIM-only deals and also stream unlimited Sky content without using your data allowance. Unused data can then be saved in your Sky ‘piggybank’, which can be kept for up to three years. Alternatively, you can swap your unused data for other rewards and discounts.
If you’re never quite sure about how much GB data you need, you’ll be able to switch data plan every month. All Sky Mobile deals come with unlimited minutes and texts, which is an added bonus.
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile offers both contract and SIM-only deals. Piggybacking off EE’s network means Virgin Mobile customers enjoy 99% coverage across the country. Data plans are also flexible, so you’ll have the option of switching every month if you need to.
Other perks include data-free messaging on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Twitter, which means anything you don’t use can be rolled over to the next month. If you’re on a tight budget, Virgin Mobile will let you set a spending cap which means you won’t ever need to worry about spending more than you have.
Plus, with their Roam Like Home offer, you’ll be able to use your phone as you do here in 43 other countries.
iD Mobile
iD Mobile is one of the smaller virtual network operators and uses Three’s mobile network. As a Carphone Warehouse brand, you’ll only find iD Mobile in stores or online.
iD offers little in the way of extras, which means that iD Mobile sits at the no-frills end of the mobile phone market. Nevertheless, that does mean you can find great SIM deals, particularly if you don’t need a handset. Any unused data can be rolled over to the next month and all plans come with unlimited minutes and texts, so it’s a good option if you use your phone to chat and text but don’t regularly go online.
Lycamobile
Also piggybacking off the EE network, Lycamobile bundles offer users who already have a mobile phone they’re happy with affordable SIM-only deals with inclusive international minutes and free data roaming in the EU up to 35GB. If you travel a lot and aren’t looking for a new device, Lycamobile could be the network you’re looking for. Its plans are available as pay-monthly or pay-as-you-go deals and its prices are fixed for 12 months from when your deal starts.
Which is the best mobile network in the UK?
Mobile providers all offer different features and they each have their pros and cons so the right deal for you really comes down to what it is you need. Before you make a commitment, consider:
- Mobile phone coverage
- Whether you need a new mobile
- Length of contract
- Data allowance
- Core features such as unlimited calls, unlimited texts and data rollover options
- Extra perks and features
- Customer service
Thinking about each of these points should help steer you towards a mobile provider that suits you. Also, don’t forget to compare mobile reviews on forums as well as the provider’s own website. Taking the time to read feedback on independent sites will give you a more accurate overall view of the service they provide.
You’ll also need to remember to read any terms and conditions carefully, especially around unlimited data use. Many mobile providers have fair use policies which can limit your use or slow it down between certain hours if you exceed a certain amount, even if you have an unlimited data plan.
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