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Piggybacking networks: pros & cons to virtual mobile providers
In the UK, there are only four actual mobile networks but many more so-called virtual networks. Which of the mobile companies you know are which? What's the difference between them? And is there an advantage to being with a main mobile network or a virtual network? SIM Sherpa has the lowdown.
The main networks
The four mobile networks in the UK are EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. In the mobile industry, these are known as Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) because they own their own network of masts that their customers' phones use directly for signal. EE were made when Orange and T-Mobile joined together into one company allowing their customers to use both old networks' transmitters. It's a popular myth that Three is not one of the real networks but this isn't true. They operate their own transmitters just like the rest.
The virtual networks
While there are only four operators who own their own network and sell their services directly, there are now many so-called virtual networks (MVNOs). Virtual networks don't own their own mobile transmitters. Instead they use one of the main networks' masts to get their customers signal and then provide the rest of the service themselves. You'll sometimes hear this referred to as piggy backing. The largest virtual networks are Tesco (use O2's network), Virgin (use EE's), GiffGaff (use O2's) and BT (use EE's). There's also Asda, Lebara, Lyca, Sainsbury's, Talkmobile, TalkTalk and ID Mobile, among others.
Is it better to be with a main network or a virtual network?
There is no cut and dry answer and much of it is to do with personal preference. A lot of people prefer to go with the main networks because they trust a big name to give them a reliable service. With their own high street stores too, it's a lot easier to go see their phones and try services in person, plus it's handy if you find you've got a problem and want to speak to someone direct.
The appeal of virtual networks is that they are often able to offer cheaper deals or shorter contracts because they have lower costs themselves for stores and other operations. The quality of your phone signal won't differ from if you were with one of the main networks, as customers on virtual networks get equal access to customers on the networks they piggy back off. So you can access cheap deals and get good service.
Who has the best SIM only deals?
Below, we've compared full and virtual networks' SIM only deals available today to see how they stack up against each other. We've looked at the best all round deal, one for big data users, one for heavy callers and the overall cheapest available. Take a look at the results:
Main network All-round usage SIM only - - £ a month
minutes, texts, data on 4G. -month contract
At just £ a month, this deal from gets our rating for best all-rounder from a main network. GB data on 4G is enough to last most people the whole month. minutes gives you plenty of calls and texts. And customers get to enjoy
Virtual network All-round usage SIM only - - £ a month
minutes, texts, data on 4G. -month contract
At just £ a month, this deal from gets our rating for best all-rounder from a virtual network. GB data on 4G is enough to last most people the whole month. minutes gives you plenty of calls and texts. And customers get to enjoy
Main network High data usage SIM only - - £ a month
data on 4G, minutes, texts. -month contract
If you’re big on downloads, 's £ a month tariff is a superb deal. You get of 4G data to use, plus minutes and texts to use each month. Plus with , you can look forward to
Virtual network High data usage SIM only - - £ a month
data on 4G, minutes, texts. -month contract
For big downloaders, 's £ a month tariff is a superb deal. You get of 4G data to use, as well as minutes and texts to use each month. And with , you can look forward to
Main network Cheapest overall SIM only - - £ a month
minutes, texts, data on G. -month contract
If you're just looking for the least expensive main network deal around, 's £ a month deal is it. You'll get minutes, texts and on G on a -month contract. Not bad for £ when with you get
Virtual network Cheapest overall SIM only - - £ a month
minutes, texts, data on G. -month contract
If you're just looking for the least expensive deal around, 's £ a month deal is it. You'll get minutes, texts and on G on a -month contract. Not bad for £ when with you get
Main network Loads of minutes SIM only - - £ a month
minutes, texts, data on G. -month contract
For people looking for a deal that lets them chat away all month, 's £ a month deal offers unbeatable value. With , texts and data on G, you also have the advantage of 's
Virtual network Loads of minutes SIM only - - £ a month
minutes, texts, data on G. -month contract
For people looking for a deal that lets them chat away all month, 's £ a month deal offers unbeatable value. With , texts and data on G, you also have the advantage of 's
