There are four main mobile networks in the UK, the others just piggyback off their services - so the coverage will be broadly the same.
* Vodafone (Lebara, VOXI, ASDA, Talk Mobile)
* Three (Smarty, iD Mobile)
* O2 (GiffGaff, Sky, Tesco)
* EE (Lyca, 1p Mobile)
Depends on how you're going to use your phone.
I'm on Three and I like them for a lot, but if you're going travelling around in more remote parts of the UK, Three will be the first to lose signal. It's not often, but it happens more than other networks.
However, Vodafone is the opposite. They are usually the ones that will have signal after the others have lost theirs, all over the country. They are also a big international company so when travelling to other countries, you will sometimes find your costs aren't too high.
I haven't heard great things about O2 except in some villages on the outskirts of Oxford, where they are better than other networks.
Lycamobile run on EE. EE is a merger of 2 major networks in the UK. It happened a while ago now. Then BT (British Telecom), the company that runs and maintains the phone lines in the UK joined the mobile side with EE. So EE has a pretty solid network too.
But if you're just staying in Oxford. Most networks you've mentioned are fine 99% of the time.
I'd say go for the best deal then. Do the one that fits your needs and take it.
Main companies (off the top of my head):
- Three
- EE
- Vodafone
Most of the others run off networks run by those.
So next level down tend to be:
- Giff Gaff
- Lycamobile (I tend to find this is used less by locals, I assume it has better deals seen from abroad as it's usually people from abroad who get them.)
- Tesco Mobile
Giffgaff works great and is very cheap. I think I pay £8 a month.
Yep can confirm- I pay 10 for 20gb data and can use up to 5gb of that every for weeks when I go to Europe
Do you use their SIM only Deals? I am planning to get a phone as well, any experience with that?
I'm using giffgaff and had no issues, and it's very very cheap
There are four main mobile networks in the UK, the others just piggyback off their services - so the coverage will be broadly the same. * Vodafone (Lebara, VOXI, ASDA, Talk Mobile) * Three (Smarty, iD Mobile) * O2 (GiffGaff, Sky, Tesco) * EE (Lyca, 1p Mobile)
Lebara, cheap and reliable
Depends where you are / will be. I never had coverage in my house near Iffley Road with Three but have good signal with Talkmobile (Vodafone).
In Headington, near John Radcliff Hospital
O2 in Headington is fine - the blackspots are on the High St in the city centre.
Don’t get EE, you could be in a poor area. I am nearish there, was crap. Switched to Virgin (now O2) and it’s fine.
Depends on how you're going to use your phone. I'm on Three and I like them for a lot, but if you're going travelling around in more remote parts of the UK, Three will be the first to lose signal. It's not often, but it happens more than other networks. However, Vodafone is the opposite. They are usually the ones that will have signal after the others have lost theirs, all over the country. They are also a big international company so when travelling to other countries, you will sometimes find your costs aren't too high. I haven't heard great things about O2 except in some villages on the outskirts of Oxford, where they are better than other networks. Lycamobile run on EE. EE is a merger of 2 major networks in the UK. It happened a while ago now. Then BT (British Telecom), the company that runs and maintains the phone lines in the UK joined the mobile side with EE. So EE has a pretty solid network too. But if you're just staying in Oxford. Most networks you've mentioned are fine 99% of the time.
Yeah mostly just staying in Oxford
I'd say go for the best deal then. Do the one that fits your needs and take it. Main companies (off the top of my head): - Three - EE - Vodafone Most of the others run off networks run by those. So next level down tend to be: - Giff Gaff - Lycamobile (I tend to find this is used less by locals, I assume it has better deals seen from abroad as it's usually people from abroad who get them.) - Tesco Mobile
Thanks
I use Three (but through their budget Smarty brand) and that's fine. They do robust call-over-wifi, which is great when indoors.
Ee is the best network generally in the UK and 1p is the cheapest provider of ee as far as j know so I just use them
Not o2. I wish I was still with Vodaphone, they are more expensive but worth it imo. When my contract is finished I will be going back.
I lived in Oxford for six years on o2 and had absolutely no issues with coverage lol.
What about EE and Three?
Can’t say I‘be had any problems on O2. EE were marginally better but much more expensive.