There are many reseller networks in the UK that buy minutes off the 4 main Mobile network operators MNO’s and resell those direct to consumers. Here we look at what frequency ranges they each have from old standard but reliable 2G voice to the latest 5G being rolled out across the UK.
We breakdown the
- Frequency bands 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G each have access too.
- The actual network behind the reseller
The main new MVNOs in the UK are gaining market share offering lower prices and more flexible contracts. They use the main players networks being a partner of Vodafone, O2, EE or Three.
The main networks continue to manage the network and be responsible for the call quality buy they do restrict the range of frequencies they make available. This often means their own customers enjoy better coverage especially across 4G and 5G.
- ASDA
- BT
- ID Mobile
- VOXI
- Virgin Mobile
- Tesco Mobile
- GiffGaff
- Lycra Mobile
- Freedom Pop
Here we list the network frequencies that are being leased to the MVMO’s by each network. This gives an idea of the resellers with the best access to the network. If you are choosing a mobile minutes reseller be careful to not just look at the price and look at the quality of the network made available.
The reason people choose to buy from MVMN’s are
- Lower price per minute
- May have better network coverage in your area
- Cheaper sim only card options
- No contracts or 30 day cancel options are common
- Bad credit ratings with the established networks
- Some like The Peoples Operator network make donations to good causes
The main UK MNO’s networks are still the dominant players with the largest market share and it could be argued best customer services and benefits like free concert tickets by Three. EE are the largest reseller to the smaller MVNO’s, followed by Vodafone, O2 and then Three in that order.
Full list of UK mobile network resellers, MVNO and the main network being used
1p Mobile EE
Age UK My Phone Vodafone
Airwave Smart Mobile EE
Asda Mobile EE
Axis Telecom EE
BT Mobile EE
CT ExcelBiz EE
Delight Mobile EE
Dialog Viz Vodafone
Digital Phone EE
Econet Mobile EE
Family Mobile EE
Go Mobile EE
Giffgaff O2
iD Mobile Three
Lebara Mobile Vodafone
Lomo Mobile EE
Lyca Mobile O2
Matrix Cellular EE
Natterbox EE
Now Payg EE
Plusnet Mobile EE
Simple Call Mobile EE
Shebang Three
Sky O2
Talk Home Mobile EE
Talkmobile Vodafone
TalkTalk Mobile Vodafone
Tesco Mobile O2
The People’s Operator Three
The Phone Co-Op EE
Truphone Vodafone
Telecom Plus EE
Vectone Mobile EE
Virgin Mobile EE
The frequency was auctioned by Ofcom to raise funds for the treasury and the networks each own a specific band of the wavelength. I outline below the network bands for ease of reference.
Choosing a reseller like Tesco mobile can be a great choice for budget conscious consumers, just be sure to check if they have access to bands like 5G if that’s important as well as being sure you get the price and have network coverage inside your home and office. If there is no coverage in the office be sure to get a commercial grade office booster from MSS installed for perfect coverage inside and out!