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  Vodafone sim only

  £10.00 – £26.00 excl VAT This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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  O2 sim only

  £10.00 – £23.00 excl VAT This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
• 

  EE sim only 24 month

  £10.00 – £20.00 excl VAT This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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  Three sim only 24 month

  £11.50 excl VAT This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Comparing the Four Major Mobile Networks in the UK: O2, Vodafone, EE, and Three

The UK mobile network market has four players: O2, Vodafone, EE, and Three. Any other brands (eg Tesco Mobile, Lyca, etc) do not have their own network (ie their own masts and cell towers) - they are actually mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) who piggyback off one of the four networks. Each network has its strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different types of users. Below is a comparison of these networks based on their history, ownership, coverage, features, and roaming policies. Don't forget that we can combine phones from different networks on the same bill, so you can more easily keep track of spending.

O2

History and Ownership: O2, originally known as Cellnet, was founded in 1985 and later rebranded as O2 in 2002. It is owned by Telefónica, a Spanish multinational telecommunications company.

Pros:

1. Coverage: O2 offers extensive coverage across the UK, particularly strong in urban areas. Their 4G coverage is robust, and they are expanding their 5G network.
2. Priority Scheme: O2 Priority provides exclusive offers, early ticket access for concerts and events, and discounts for its customers.
3. Roaming: O2 offers inclusive EU roaming, allowing customers to use their plan allowances in many European countries without extra charges. Simpatico also has a great Unlimited Plus Tariff which includes usage across a number of countries worldwide as part of the tariff, with no extra daily roaming charges. Normal tariffs offer access to your UK allowance at the cost of £5 per day in most countries worldwide.

Cons:

1. 5G Availability: While growing, O2's 5G network is not as widespread as some competitors.
2. Speed: O2's network speeds are generally competitive but may lag behind EE in certain areas.

Vodafone

History and Ownership: Vodafone was founded in 1984 as Racal Telecom and became Vodafone Group in 1991. It is a British multinational telecommunications company.

Pros:

1. Global Presence: Vodafone operates in many countries, providing seamless international roaming options.
2. 5G Coverage: Vodafone has been aggressive in rolling out 5G, with significant coverage in major cities and towns.
3. Roaming: Simpatico's Unlimited Vodafone package allows usage across a number of countries worldwide as part of the tariff, with no extra daily roaming charges. Normal tariffs offer access to your UK allowance at the cost of £5 per day in most countries worldwide.

Cons:

1. Price: Vodafone's plans can be more expensive compared to other providers.

EE

History and Ownership: EE (Everything Everywhere) was formed in 2010 as a merger between Orange UK and T-Mobile UK. It is now a subsidiary of BT Group.

Pros:

1. Network Speed and Coverage: EE consistently ranks as the fastest and most reliable network in the UK. Its 4G and 5G coverage are extensive, covering more rural areas than competitors.
2. WiFi Calling: EE provides robust WiFi calling and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) services, ensuring strong call quality even in areas with poor signal.

Cons:

1. Price: EE's superior service often comes at a premium, making it one of the more expensive options.

Three

History and Ownership: Three UK, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, launched in 2003 as the first 3G-only network in the UK.

Pros:

1. Unlimited Data Plans: Three is known for its competitive pricing, especially with unlimited data plans.
2. 5G Rollout: Three offers 5G at no extra cost, and its coverage is rapidly expanding.
3. Roaming: Three's Go Roam allows customers to use their allowances in some destinations outside of Europe, but these are limited, so if you are a frequent worldwide traveller then Three is not a good choice - but if you're mostly in the UK it's well worth considering!

Cons:

1. Coverage: While improving, Three's network coverage in rural areas can be less reliable compared to EE and Vodafone.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mobile network in the UK depends largely on individual needs and priorities. Each network offers unique benefits, and users should consider their specific requirements, such as coverage in their area, budget, and additional features, when making a decision. In many cases we can transfer you from one network to another mid-contract, so you needn't necessarily be bound to one network. This could make a real difference if you move and suddenly discover that your mobile signal has deteriorated!