Networks Using O2

O2 is one of the UK’s major networks, along with Three, Vodafone, and EE. Whatever network you’re using in the UK, you’ll be using the coverage of one of these four, since if you don’t use one of these names, you’ll be using an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that shares its coverage.

In the case of O2, there are three such networks that share its coverage, specifically Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, and Tesco Mobile. Each of these has its own selling points and prices, so if you’re set on O2’s coverage it’s worth considering one of these instead of O2 itself – though while O2 typically costs more, it does also have a wider variety of plan types and perks.

Below, we’ve detailed these three O2 MVNOs, highlighting their key features and the main reasons you might want to choose them over O2.

Giffgaff

Giffgaff is a fairly big name in MVNOs, and one of the longest-running UK MVNOs too. It doesn’t have much in the way of unique features, but it has the basics covered and then some.

You can choose between 30-day rolling or 18-month SIM Only plans, with the latter generally giving you more for your money, and there’s also a Pay As You Go service.

Giffgaff’s plans top out at unlimited data, and they all also include unlimited minutes and texts. Plus, you can roam in the EU (up to a 5GB fair usage limit), and the network supports tethering, Wi-Fi Calling, 4G Calling, and you even have the option of an eSIM if you’d prefer that to a physical SIM card.

Sky Mobile

Sky Mobile isn’t as flexible as some network because all of its SIM Only plans come with a 12-month contract. However, unusually you can shift your data allowance up or down every month, so if your needs change, you still have some options.

Sky Mobile’s plans come with unlimited minutes and texts and up to unlimited data, and if you pick a plan with a limited amount of data then you’ll also get data rollover – meaning you can roll any unused data over to the next month, banking it for up to a year. You can also choose to exchange unused data for discounts on a new device or accessory.

Plus, as a Sky Mobile customer, you’ll be able to stream Sky apps such as Sky Sports and Sky News without it coming out of your data allowance – though you’ll still need a subscription to those services.

Sky Mobile’s plans also support tethering, 4G Calling, Wi-Fi Calling, and eSIMs, but roaming isn’t included, so you’ll have to pay extra to use your allowances abroad.

Tesco Mobile

Finally, there’s Tesco Mobile, which lets you Pay As You Go or choose a SIM Only plan (as well as offering phones on contract).

Plans come with up to unlimited data, and its SIM Only plans are either 12 or 24 months, though you can get a Pay As You Go bundle that lasts just 30 days if you want more flexibility.

Its plans also come with unlimited minutes and texts, and some are sold at a discount for Tesco Clubcard holders.

Tesco Mobile also offers eSIMs, and its plans come with Wi-Fi Calling, 4G Calling, tethering, and inclusive EU roaming.