Network hack: get access to the uk’s leading mobile network for £249 less

• Mobile customers may not realise that virtual networks that ‘piggyback’ on one of the four major networks can be a much more affordable option

• Following Lyca Mobile’s recent switch to the EE network - SIM Only customers can now take advantage of EE’s 4G and 5G network at less than a third of the cost, saving £249 compared to EE customers [1]

• iD mobile customers using Three’s network can also save £125 (15%) on a 24 month Pay Monthly handset plan with a Samsung S23 (128GB) [2]

• Uswitch mobiles expert, Ru Bhikha offers advice on whether switching to a mobile virtual network is right for you

Thousands of Lyca Mobile customers faced confusion last week as the mobile operator suddenly switched from O2’s network coverage to EE’s. 

EE repeatedly comes out as the top UK network for overall network performance. However, mobile customers may not realise that ‘virtual networks’ can offer a more affordable way to take advantage of EE’s leading 4G and 5G coverage. 

Analysis from Uswitch.com suggests mobile customers could potentially save hundreds by switching from one of the ‘big four’ providers to a virtual network. 

Lyca Mobile is just one of several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), that offers their - often relatively no frills - mobile plans using one of the four UK Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) infrastructure. Those UK MNOs being EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. 

These virtual networks ‘piggyback’ on a major network’s coverage - which can offer excellent value and save hundreds over the length of a contract when compared to customers signed up directly to the parent network. 

The cheapest SIM Only deal currently available directly from EE costs £15 per month for 5GB data and unlimited calls and texts - however, this comes with a 24 month contract, which costs £360 across the length of the contract. 

An equivalent data deal from Lyca Mobile - a Uswitch exclusive - costs just £4.90 per month with a discounted rate of £2.38 for the first three months. That works out as just £110.04 across 24 months - saving an incredible £249 in total - around 70% less [1].

Lyca Mobile’s deal also comes with a more flexible 30 day rolling contract, plus 6GB data. Put simply, you can access the EE network with more data and more flexibility for a significantly lower cost through Lyca Mobile. 

There are similar savings to be made on handset plans. For those looking for stellar 5G performance, Three boasts the most comprehensive 5G rollout in the UK to date, as well as the fastest download speeds. However, customers with iD Mobile, for example, will also be able to enjoy Three’s leading 5G performance for less. 

A 24 month Samsung Galaxy S23 (128GB) Pay Monthly plan, available on Uswitch, with unlimited data, calls and texts costs £28 per month (plus an £149 up-front cost) on Three - a total cost of £821 over 24 months [2].

However a comparable plan with iD Mobile, which also uses the Three network, costs £28.99 per month, but with no upfront cost [4] (or £695.76 over the 24 month contract). That’s a total saving of £125.24 (or 15%), when the full price is taken into consideration [2].

But while there are big savings to be had from virtual network providers, some customers may feel left out when it comes to the added frills offered by main providers. O2 Priority members, for instance, can enjoy one free coffee per week along with breakfast options, or even 6 months free of Disney Plus. 

Ru Bhikha, Uswitch mobiles expert, comments: “Big changes in the mobiles market, such as Lyca Mobile’s recent switch to EE, often shine a light on the main question for consumers - ‘am I getting a good deal from my mobile provider?’

“The important thing to note is that virtual networks, such as Lyca Mobile, iD Mobile, Asda Mobile and several others, can offer outstanding value at a time when many are feeling the pinch. Especially when you consider virtual network customers are getting largely the same network experience as customers on their parent networks. 

“On the whole, all mobile virtual networks include 5G access, although customers might not be able to take advantage of services such as WiFi Calling.

“And while the big UK networks also offer an impressive selection of perks, there are lots of discounts and deals to be found with the virtual networks, if you do your research. So, if you’re willing to pass on some of the frills, these plans can save hundreds of pounds every year.”

A summary of parent networks and their MVNOs [3]

Parent network: EE

• Download speed experience: 47.7Mbps

• Total coverage: 98.3%

• 5G coverage: 9.8%

• MVNOS: BT Mobile, Lyca Mobile  

Parent network: Vodafone

• Download speed experience: 25.9Mbps

• Total coverage: 97.3%

• 5G coverage: 9.7%

• MVNOS: Asda Mobile, Lebara Mobile, Voxi, Talk Mobile 

Parent network: O2

• Download speed experience: 19.3Mbps

• Total coverage: 97%

• 5G coverage: 8%

• MVNOS: giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile 

Parent network: Three

• Download speed experience: 35.4Mbps

• Total coverage: 99%

• 5G coverage: 10.6%

• MVNOS: iD Mobile, SMARTY 

To explore the full range of SIM Only and Pay Monthly mobile deals across a wide range of providers, visit Uswitch.com.