Mobile contracts can be complex. Sometimes it’s hard to unpick the real value of the incentives included by your provider, leading to many people overpaying for services they don’t need.
In recent years, the cost of data has reduced and we’ve been holding onto our phones for longer, leading to a huge growth in SIM-only contracts.
This page provides an overview of the main UK mobile providers, summarises recent industry news, and gives some advice and tips, as well as sources for further support.
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There are four mobile networks in the UK: EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three.
All the other providers, known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), are operated by companies using one of these four networks.
They essentially piggyback on one of the main network providers to offer their customers mobile service.
This means if you use an MVNO as your provider, you’ll get the same coverage as you would with the large operator it’s piggybacking from.
<aside> ☎️ Ofcom, the sector regulator, publishes an annual report on customer service levels.
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Many mobile providers currently raise their prices each year while you're still in contract. Previously prices went up by the rate of inflation plus an extra percentage. As long as they mentioned this when you signed up – even in the small print – you aren’t able to cancel without paying a fee.
From January 2025, this is changing
Mobile companies will no longer be allowed to link price rises to inflation. If they want to raise prices mid-contract, they’ll have to tell you exactly how much more you’ll pay — in pounds and pence — before you sign up.
However, the rules don’t apply to older contracts and many customers will still see inflation-linked increases this year.
Some providers already avoid mid-contract price rises. Tesco Mobile, for example, promises to keep your price the same for the length of your contract. Others, like Giffgaff and Smarty, offer 1-month rolling deals where you’re free to leave at any time, and inflation-linked increases don’t apply.