Virtual networks, sometimes called leased networks or MVNOs, offer you the same coverage as a big network for a fraction of the price.
Here, we explain exactly what an MVNO in the UK is and talk you through their pros and cons.
What is a virtual network?
You might not have heard the phrases 'virtual network', 'leased network' or 'MVNO' before. But chances are you’re more familiar with them than you realise, and maybe even use one.
MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operators. These are third-party companies that lease telephone and data spectrum from the main operators.
In other words, the likes of Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile piggyback off the spectrum they’ve bought from EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
Sign up for one of the MVNOs, and you’ll get the same coverage as you would from the parent network. And for that reason, it makes sense to know which MVNO uses which network.
Compare SIM only deals
Browse our full range of SIM only mobile deals on Uswitch.
What are examples of MVNOs in the UK?
Here’s a list of just some of the MVNOs in the UK. Worldwide, there are around 2,000 active MVNOs, which is more than twice the number of traditional networks. MVNOs account for more than 10 per cent of all mobile users in the world.
| MVNO | Which network is it based on? |
|---|---|
| Asda Mobile | Vodafone |
| BT Mobile | EE |
| giffgaff | O2 |
| iD Mobile | Three |
| Lebara Mobile | Vodafone |
| Lyca Mobile | EE |
| Sky Mobile | O2 |
| SMARTY | Three |
| Talkmobile | Vodafone |
| Tesco Mobile | O2 |
| VOXI | Vodafone |
And that’s just for starters. There are around 1,000 MVNOs worldwide, accounting for more than 10 per cent of all mobile users. So why have they been so popular?
Virtual networks: pros and cons
Pros
- Price
Virtual networks offer contracts that are much cheaper than their parent networks
- Flexibility
If you already own a handset, you can save money by finding a good value SIM only deal
- Loyalty card perks
Some providers like Tesco Mobile and Mobile by Sainsbury’s offer Tesco Clubcard points or Nectar points just for topping up
Cons
- Lack of big network perks
Certain benefits that come with big networks are not included, like O2 Priority or VeryMe by Vodafone
- Can’t bundle other home services
MVNOs generally don’t have packages that come with other services like TV or broadband
- Limited handset availability
Some virtual networks only work with a certain range of handsets
Which virtual network is best for me?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the largest MVNOs in the UK, as well as the pros and cons of each.
giffgaff
Network: O2
Much cheaper? In a word: yes. At the time of writing, the iPhone 16 can be yours for a one-off fee of £25, and then £30.21 a month for 36 months, with unlimited everything.Pros: You can call and text other giffgaff customers for free, though you will have to top up at least every three months.
Cons: It only sells 24 handsets and only four of them run Windows Phone, so the selection isn’t fantastic.
Browse giffgaff SIM only deals
Tesco Mobile
Network: O2
Much cheaper? As you’d expect, the answer’s a yes. On cheaper phones, expect to save about £5 per month over the course of your contract. Or about £120 in total.
Pros: You earn Tesco Clubcard points for every £1 you spend, whether you’re topping up or racking up a monthly bill.
Just make sure you register your Clubcard to your Tesco Mobile handset.
Tesco Mobile has also won a raft of awards from us over the years, including Best Customer Service Support, Best Network Coverage, and Best Value for Money for both pay monthly and pay as you go.
Cons: Tesco Mobile is not the top choice for those seeking optimal 5G coverage or the latest high-speed 5G technology. Tesco faces challenges in competing with budget-friendly networks on pricing.
Browse Tesco Mobile pay monthly handset deals
Browse Tesco Mobile SIM only deals
Virgin Mobile
Network: Vodafone
Much cheaper? On flagship phones, we calculated fairly minor savings throughout the contract. Perhaps a few pounds in total for monthly allowances that are broadly comparable to the likes of Vodafone and O2.
Pros: There’s a very good selection of pay as you go handsets, and you can buy pay as you go or pay monthly SIM cards. Existing Virgin Media customers can get better deals on SIM cards.
Cons: It’s much more expensive if you’re not a Virgin Media customer.
Browse Virgin Mobile SIM only deals
iD Mobile
Network: Three
Much cheaper? It is. iD Mobile SIM only deals start from a very reasonable £6 per month. That's for a 5G service too.
Pros: iD Mobile customers who had previously signed up to its ‘TakeAway’ tariff get free roaming in up to 50 countries across the globe. Users who had a ‘Shockproof’ plan had a buffer if you exceed your monthly usage. Nowadays iD Mobile incorporates these perks into all its plans as standard.
Cons: As with all MVNOs, if you're with iD Mobile you can't add broadband and TV to your bundle to save on your total monthly outgoings. But perhaps at these low prices for standalone mobile contracts, that doesn't matter too much.
Browse iD Mobile pay monthly handset deals
Browse iD Mobile SIM only deals
Asda Mobile
Network: Vodafone
Much cheaper? On a 30-day SIM only contract, £15 a month gets you unlimited minutes, text messages, and 25GB of 5G data.
Asda Mobile also offers a range of tariffs for just £5 a month. The cheapest pay-as-you-go tariff is just £4 a month for unlimited minutes and texts (but no data).
Pros: Apart from the price, there doesn’t seem to be any other benefits.
Cons: The range of handsets isn’t fantastic
Browse ASDA mobile pay monthly handset deals
Browse ASDA mobile SIM only deals
Not sure MVNOs offer what you're looking for? Check out what the UK's larger carriers offer here: mobile phone networks
Compare mobile contracts and SIM only deals
Browse our best contract deals for the latest handsets or save money with a cheap SIM only offer.
