• T-Mobile has rejected the idea of sharing its network with Starlink
• The company's CEO argues that satellite is an "inferior" technology to what T-Mobile currently uses
• Verizon and AT&T have also turned Starlink down

For all its lofty ambitions, Starlink Mobile doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere fast. SpaceX recently announced plans to build “the world’s most advanced mobile network” using its Starlink satellites, but satellites alone won’t cut it — the service also needs ground-based infrastructure and enough spectrum to power it, neither of which Starlink really has.

So its initial plan seemed to be to launch an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) by partnering with T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T and gaining access to their infrastructure.

However, all three of those names have rejected SpaceX’s proposition, with T-Mobile’s CEO, Srini Gopalan, recently going so far as to say in an earnings call (via WCCFTech) that "satellite is an inferior version of FWA with even more constraints in terms of things like what is the size of the beam."

No need for satellites

FWA, or fixed wireless access, is what carriers often use to bring broadband to homes and other static locations in rural areas, combining a router with a 5G or 4G signal, rather than using fibre optic cables.

FWA exists in urban areas too, but it’s particularly useful where conventional broadband struggles. So, essentially, Gopalan is arguing that satellite connectivity is a worse option, even in many rural and hard-to-reach areas, than FWA.

On top of that, Gopalan claims that “two-thirds of our FWA customers come from dense urban areas. We see huge growth opportunities in those areas still, all under the fallow capacity model. So we don’t really see a synergistic opportunity with satellite providers.”

All of which could be a big problem for SpaceX, as it’s likely the company will have to rely primarily on its satellites for now. Though with its plans to launch 15,000 new satellites, lease 80,000 cell tower sites, and possibly install cellular base stations on existing Starlink dishes, it could still deliver a viable mobile network — and a threat to the big three — eventually.

• Ofcom has published statistics on complaints it's received for Q2 2026
• The categories covered are broadband, landline, mobile, and pay-TV
• Complaints overall are down on the previous quarter, due to pay-TV

The Ofcom complaints statistics are in for the second quarter of 2026 (April to June), and some landline, broadband, mobile, and pay-TV providers have fared better than others. Overall, complaint numbers are down from the previous quarter, due to fewer being filed for pay-TV services.

You can check out a fuller list of figures collected by the UK communications services regulator on its website. The calculations are made based on the number of complaints per 100,000 subscribers, so it's worked out as a fraction of the customer base.

The broadband providers topping the complaints table this quarter are EE (up from last quarter), BT (the same), TalkTalk (down), and Vodafone (also down from last quarter). The least number of complaints as far as broadband goes were Plusnet, Sky, and Virgin Media. You can see the full results below.

However, Plusnet was the most complained-about provider for landlines — with most of the complaints concerning how it handled complaints. Sky, Utility Warehouse, Virgin Media, and Vodafone recorded the fewest landline complaints.

Mobile and pay-TV

For mobile, the most complaints were received about O2 (mainly regarding faults, service, and connections) and Sky Mobile (mainly regarding changing providers). EE, Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Three, Vodafone, and iD Mobile registered the fewest complaints for mobile.

In the pay-TV category, EE and Virgin Media got the most complaints (four and three complaints per hundred thousand subscribers, respectively), while the least went to TalkTalk (just 0.2 complaints per 100,000 subscribers).

The statistics as a whole make for interesting reading too. Of the four categories, broadband providers attracted the most complaints — an average of six complaints per 100,000 subscribers across all the providers.

Ofcom doesn't handle these complaints itself, but does set down rules that providers have to abide by. "Although Ofcom cannot help with individual customer complaints, by publishing these figures we can help customers to choose the providers and services that best suit their needs," says the regulator.

• Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone have signed a letter of intent to explore development of a European constellation
• This could work as an alternative to Starlink, and allow networks to plug coverage gaps with satellites
• However, they still need a satellite partner to deliver any such plan

Starlink has major mobile ambitions, seemingly seeing itself as a true rival to conventional carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile in the US. But over in Europe, mobile operators might look to offer a Starlink alternative.

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone have all signed a letter of intent to explore “a potential joint bid for the future allocation of spectrum for Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) in Europe.”

So, in other words, they might work together to allocate spectrum to a satellite-based connectivity service aimed at increasing their coverage in areas where masts and other ground-based infrastructure don’t currently reach.

Such a service would put them in direct competition with Starlink, which has partnered with the likes of T-Mobile in the US and O2 in the UK to plug coverage gaps in their networks, and which has ambitions to launch a standalone carrier.

A long way off

But it’s still very early days for this European initiative. The letter of intent is simply to explore a potential bid — wording which suggests nothing is very set in stone. And even if these carriers do jointly allocate this spectrum, they still need to “establish key ground network infrastructure” to go along with it.

And most importantly of all, they need access to a satellite constellation, and while part of the intent here is to “support the development of a European constellation,” they don’t actually plan to build a constellation themselves; rather, they’re looking for a satellite partner.

So don’t expect to see a European Starlink alternative anytime soon, but it’s sounding like there might be one at some point in the future — and this is a move that would make sense, given Europe’s ongoing attempt to lessen its reliance on US services.

• Reports claim VMO2 could plan return for older brands
• Virgin Mobile and O2 Broadband could be set for a return
• VMO2 has struggled in recent months, so a refresh could rejuvenate its business

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) is reportedly considering bringing back defunct brands including Virgin Mobile and O2 Broadband in a bid to rejuvenate its business.

A report from The Times (paywall) claims the move could help the business win back customers as competition in the UK market intensifies.

The site claims VMO2 is keen to stop recent customer losses and build investor support amid reports of a backdrop of falling bond prices and a need to cut millions in costs.

Back from the dead?

One of the most memorable brands in the UK mobile market, Virgin Mobile disappeared from view in 2023 following the merger between Virgin Media and O2 two years earlier.

As part of the deal, Virgin Mobile's three million customers were migrated over to O2's network - this coming a year after its own MVNO had been moved off Vodafone's network.

VMO2, which is co-owned by US investment group Liberty Global and Spain’s Telefónica, recently hired former Pets at Home boss Lyssa McGowan to lead its troubled consumer division.

The Times notes that in recent weeks, McGowan, who previously held the post chief consumer officer at Sky, has appointed two of her former colleagues to lead the O2 and Virgin Media brands respectively.

VMO2 already owns the GiffGaff brand, which targets lower-cost mobile subscriptions, so a move to re-launch another mobile brand may cause some competition concerns - or lead GiffGaff to be rebranded.

Intriuingly, telecoms industry site ISPreview reported spotting a new O2 Broadband page on O2’s website in June 2026 advertising a range of cheaper full fibre plans. After publishing its story, the page was quickly removed.

TechRadar Pro has contacted Virgin Media O2 for comment.

Where were you when the first iPhone went on sale back in 2007? I remember clearly that I was working for Phones4U — a third-party phone reseller in the UK — and the iPhone launch completely decimated the business, as suddenly Phones4U wasn't a reseller of the most popular phone on the market.

The same existential threat applied to all carriers except AT&T and O2, which had exclusive launch rights to the iPhone in the US and UK, respectively.

Fast-forward 19 years, and Apple has repeatedly proven that the iPhone's popularity gives it considerable power over its carrier partners — customers are no longer loyal to the carrier providing the mobile service, but to the brand behind their favorite phone.

Apple's newest commercial venture, the Apple Upgrade program — which was announced earlier this year and is, at the time of writing, still only available in the US — is the latest dagger to the heart of major MNOs (Mobile Network Operators).

But despite being a fantastic deal for customers and Apple itself (and make no mistake: I believe it's a net positive move), the Apple Upgrade program could yet prove a double-edged sword for the mobile industry as a whole. Let me explain.

Carriers used to have ALL the power...

To understand what the Apple Upgrade program is, you have to first understand how the industry worked before the original iPhone. To say that Apple has irrevocably changed the carrier business model on numerous occasions may seem like hyperbole, but it’s hard to overstate the company's lasting effect.

Before the original iPhone, carriers were integral to a phone's success. Carriers controlled which phones were sold in stores, which phones received the bigger marketing pushes, and which were “certified” to work with that carrier.

This meant that all phone makers had to focus more on acquiescing to carrier requests — including shipping customized devices with several preloaded apps and even carrier-specific branding — than meeting their customers' needs.

In many ways, carriers were the customer rather than the end-user itself, and they proved even more integral, as each carrier also controlled when software updates were released to its phones. I remember clearly how customers would blame the phone maker for software-related shortcomings rather than the carrier, even if the software update was delayed by the carrier’s own internal testing.

The power of carriers was inevitably going to be replaced by a different model, but the iPhone had a marked effect on the power wielded by carriers in more ways than one.

... until Apple launched the original iPhone

If you’ve seen the BlackBerry movie, you’ll remember the line used to describe the original iPhone before it went on sale: it had the "highest interest of any consumer electronic item in history". To go further, its original $499 / £269 price also made it the most expensive phone in history at the time.

But contrary to industry standards at the time, the exceptional consumer interest in the original iPhone meant carriers were clamoring to stock it, rather than Apple having to entice them to sell it. This complete reversal of established norms also meant Apple was able to stamp out many of the key controls carriers had, and the effect was stark.

Let’s consider each of the previous requests that carriers would make of a phone maker. Branding on the phone itself or in the software? Gone for the iPhone. Preloaded carrier apps and other bloatware? Gone for the iPhone. A software update schedule controlled by carriers? Apple releases updates to all phones at the same time globally. Customized models? Carriers should be grateful they get to stock the iPhone at all.

However, Apple's unique position went even further. Phone makers used to have to discount phones and offer incentives, but for many years, Apple did not. Granted, we are now in an era in which Apple competes through trade-in promotions and works closely with its carrier partners, but it was the last major phone maker to embrace promotional pricing of any kind.

It's not just Apple that has benefited from these changes; as Apple established new ground rules, companies like Samsung, Google, and LG have all benefited from a different playbook than in the pre-smartphone era.

Now, with the Apple Upgrade program, Apple again holds outsized control over the customer journey. For many, this is a great program, but for other stakeholders, it’s decidedly not. Here’s why.

The Apple Upgrade program is a great deal for consumers

The Apple Upgrade Program is a leasing program provided by Apple, with financing by Klarna. It lets you lease a new iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch and pay for it monthly over a fixed lease period (between 12 months and 36 months). At the end of the lease, you can opt to return the item to Apple at no charge or buy it out for the remaining value; the latter is a particularly attractive offer for customers.

Most lease programs have you spending more money over the course of the lease compared with buying the item outright. This arbitrage is how the financing lender makes their money, but with the Apple Upgrade program, you’ll never pay more in total than the outright purchase value.

This is crucial: Apple is effectively offering 0% financing across its range of products, and while it likely pays Klarna directly for providing these services, it does not pass any additional costs on to the customer. In essence, you can still buy any Apple item you plan to, but you now have a more flexible way to pay for it, with no credit card or specific credit limit needed.

... and also great for Apple

The current state of RAMageddon — aka the soaring cost of all technology due to the shortage of RAM modules — meant it was inevitable that Apple would have to increase its product prices, which it did by a considerable margin in both June and September this year.

Despite Apple customers traditionally being less price-sensitive than Android customers, rising prices during a global cost-of-living crisis would inevitably have impacted its financial statements and, therefore, its share price.

The Apple Upgrade program changes this reality in a big way: in the US at least, it’s now far easier for customers to buy Apple products (and more of them) than they used to be able to, and Apple itself gains far more valuable numbers to present to its shareholders: the number of customers on subscriptions; the dollar value of those sold; and the number of customers.

More than that, the Upgrade Program offers Apple predictable revenue numbers for quarters and years into the future, and allows it to launch more products across the year without worrying as much about established launch cycles and windows.

It also makes all of its new products far more accessible to the masses, which is particularly prescient given the now-confirmed $1,999 / £1,999 / AU$3,499 launch price of the iPhone Duo, which begins shipping next week.

However, the Apple Upgrade program is bad for carriers...

For all its positives, there are two areas where the Apple Upgrade program could have a negative effect — and both stem from its potential impact on carriers.

Like the now-discontinued iPhone Upgrade program before it, an iPhone purchased via the Apple Upgrade program is seemingly unlocked for use on any network. It still requires activation with one of the Big Three carriers — Verizon, T-Mobile US, or AT&T — at the point of sale, but once you complete said activation, you can switch to a different carrier of your choosing.

This undoubtedly reduces the need to be locked into a long-term, multi-year contract with your carrier and, crucially, removes a key source of revenue from locked devices: roaming fees. Together, they will impact carriers’ revenue, inevitably leading to several knock-on effects for the consumer.

First, customers will inevitably end up paying more for their service plans, whether through higher plan costs, higher add-on costs, or even increased out-of-bundle charges.

Second, the above will lead to an even more booming MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) market, but as we’ve seen with Mint Mobile, these MVNOs will also inevitably be acquired by the aforementioned big carriers they rely on.

The biggest impact will be felt in network technology and retail footprint. Verizon, T-Mobile US, and AT&T are publicly traded and have a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders. They might pay even more for future spectrum holdings, but the adoption and rollout of future technologies could be much slower if the Apple Upgrade program takes off in the way Apple clearly hopes. This isn’t just hyperbole; we’ve already seen this happen with the 5G rollout and the LTE rollout before it.

The impact will be even more acute for those who like to frequent carrier retail stores. T-Mobile has already made some services fully digital, and, like other industries, phone retail seems to be undergoing a managed decline. Further pressure on carriers’ revenue sources will simply accelerate this shift, leaving vulnerable customers most likely to feel the effects.

So, yes, the Apple Upgrade program is a fantastic deal for most people involved, but I am concerned about the impact it will have on carrier operations, and specifically how these operations might impact consumers in the long term.

Having said all that, my next Apple purchase will almost certainly be through the Apple Upgrade program — it’s a deal that’s too good not to take advantage of, especially if you’re buying one of Apple's higher-spec models.

• SpaceX has announced that it's acquired some low-band 800MHz spectrum for Starlink Mobile
• This is ideal for providing coverage indoors, and along with the launch of new satellites, it could pave the way for Starlink Mobile to become a 'major' carrier
• However, it's likely to still need both additional spectrum and significant investment in ground-based infrastructure

Only a week ago, AT&T’s CEO claimed that SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile plans weren’t viable, but perhaps he’ll be rethinking that claim now, as SpaceX has just announced that it's purchased 14Mhz of spectrum in the 800MHz band.

As explained in the company’s announcement, this is an ideal band for helping a signal penetrate obstacles like walls, ensuring that Starlink Mobile’s signal can be delivered inside buildings, and complementing the company’s existing mid-band spectrum, which is high-bandwidth and good for high-speed connections.

SpaceX claims that, as a result, it’s now positioned to build “the world’s most advanced mobile network” and to become “a major mobile carrier in the US,” by deploying this spectrum through a combination of its satellites and “an advanced terrestrial deployment” — meaning masts or other infrastructure on the ground.

Additionally, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has also approved Starlink Mobile’s Gen2 constellation application, allowing the company to launch 15,000 new satellites, which can apparently deliver more than 100 times the bandwidth of the current generation, for high-speed mobile service anywhere in the world.

Just the first step

So, this certainly sounds promising for the company, but it’s unlikely to mean the imminent launch of a major mobile service.

As Tim Farrar, an industry expert at TMF Associates, explained to CNBC, “This adds fuel to the fire in the battle between SpaceX and the mobile operators, but it’s still a very limited amount of spectrum, and to get reliable building penetration in urban areas, SpaceX would have to deploy towers on the ground.”

So, it’s likely that SpaceX will need both more spectrum and substantial ground-based infrastructure before the likes of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon really need to worry. Still, this latest move suggests that SpaceX is serious about its Starlink Mobile ambitions — and that the major carriers might need to start looking to space if they want to remain top dogs in the long run.

• BT agrees rescue deal to buy broadband operator TalkTalk
• However DCMS has already stepped in over competition concerns
• TalkTalk has 1.5 million retail customers and one million wholesale customers across the UK

BT has signed a rescue deal to save TalkTalk in a move which could have major ramifications across the UK market.

TalkTalk, which is the UK’s fourth-largest broadband company with 1.5 million retail customers and a million wholesale customers across the country, had been on the edge of potential administration due to rising debts.

However the UK government may still have its say on the deal, which covers both TalkTalk and its wholesale arm PlatformX Communications (PXC), and it will need to be approved by the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) due to the range of control it would give BT over the UK broadband market.

BT-TalkTalk deal

“This is a genuinely unprecedented situation, where millions of citizens and businesses were at risk if TalkTalk had collapsed," said Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive of BT Group.

"BT is the digital backbone of the country, with a presence in every postcode. We have been connecting the nation for generations, stepping up in the moments that matter, and BT acquiring TalkTalk is now the only viable option to keep millions of customers connected and supported."

The terms of the deal have not been revealed, but BT's press release noted that the estimate of the total cash impact in its FY27 would be around £400 million.

TalkTalk, which employes around 900 people in the UK, made around £1.2bn in revenue over the last 12 months, but was still loss-making, BT said.

“Our immediate priority is to stabilise the business and provide a safety net for the households and businesses who rely on TalkTalk," Kirkby added.

"Once the regulatory process has been concluded, TalkTalk’s customers will benefit from access to the UK’s best network, and the full range of market-leading products and services that BT offers. And, over a period of time, the transaction will create value for all our stakeholders – customers, colleagues, the country, and our owners.”

Hurdles ahead?

Given the scale of the move, the deal immediately drew intervention from the UK Government, with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) issuing a press release alongside BT's announcement.

In it, it noted that "given these exceptional circumstances and the potential risk to life and public services", it would be utilising Enterprise ‌Act powers that will permit Secretary of State Lisa Nandy to consider the wider public interest following the CMA's ruling.

The CMA has been told to file its report by October 19, 2026, when further Government intervention may be considered.

“Phone and broadband services are vital national infrastructure. If TalkTalk services fail, there is a genuine risk to life and public services – including to hospitals, schools and emergency care," Nandy added.

“These are unprecedented circumstances that require action now. That is why I am acting with urgency to ensure that impacts on public health, critical national infrastructure and supply to vulnerable customers are fully considered as part of this process.”

TalkTalk customers have been told that no changes will happen to their services for the time being, with no adjustments to bills or services until the deal closes.

• AT&T's CEO has said that Starlink's plans to launch a rival service aren't "viable"
• They argue that fiber is simply so much faster than satellite connectivity that it would be impossible for Starlink Mobile to compete
• However, AT&T has also announced plans with Verizon and T-Mobile to use satellites to get rid of dead zones

We’ve heard a lot lately about Starlink’s plans to launch a traditional mobile carrier aimed at rivaling the likes of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — and perhaps even making such a service available globally. But if AT&T’s CEO John Stankey is to be believed, it probably isn’t happening — or at least not anytime soon.

Speaking to Axios, Stankey claimed that Musk’s plan is "not a viable strategy," in part because it’s heavily reliant on Starlink satellites rather than fiber infrastructure. When it comes to fiber, Stankey said “nothing beats it,” because it’s three times faster than satellite connectivity, adding that "satellite, at its best — if everything happens right over the next 10 years" — is "still not going to beat fiber."

Of course, Musk probably recognizes this, as Starlink’s plans involve more traditional network infrastructure too, with the company having previously outlined its plans to install small cellular base stations alongside Starlink dishes on homes and businesses.

But Stankey has his doubts about that too, saying that the endeavor would be enormously expensive, and that "there's all kinds of other issues, like you can't radiate cellular signals from somebody's house without their permission, unless somebody changes the law on that. We can go down a whole bunch of reasons why that won't effectively work."

It could be a long road for Starlink Mobile

Some analysts are also unconvinced by Musk’s plans, with Bernstein analyst Madison Rezaei saying, "Starlink Mobile may fill a meaningful gap in the market (i.e., remote, rural, maritime, disaster scenarios), but we believe it is a long way from replacing terrestrial carrier networks."

On the other hand, Alex Besen, CEO of the Besen Group, was a bit more positive about Starlink Mobile’s chances in a conversation with Fierce Network, saying of conventional carriers that “maybe not a majority of it, but definitely, they’re going to lose” some of the consumer market.

And even if Stankey claims not to be worried, it seems he’s not taking any chances, with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon having recently launched a joint venture to get rid of coverage dead zones through satellite connectivity.

So whether Musk’s Starlink Mobile plans are viable or not, it does seem that increasingly carriers will use a mix of masts, fiber, and satellites to service their customers.

• The FCC has granted Starlink Mobile the right to operate internationally
• This opens the door both to a roaming service for US customers and a Starlink Mobile service in other countries
• The company already has partnerships abroad, and previous reports suggested Starlink Mobile was planning to launch a rival to conventional carriers

Starlink Mobile is barely off the ground in the US yet, with its service primarily offered through the dead zone-filling T-Satellite service in partnership with T-Mobile. But we know the brand has bigger mobile ambitions — and it now seems they won’t be limited to the US.

Following reports that SpaceX was planning to build a Starlink-branded mobile network in the US, the company — as spotted by NotebookCheck — has now received approval from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to offer international telecommunications services.

This, at a minimum, could allow Starlink Mobile to offer those dead zone-filling capabilities to US customers when they’re roaming abroad, but it also opens the door to Starlink Mobile services being offered directly to residents of other countries, rather than them only being available through partnerships with other networks.

And we know Starlink plans to level up its mobile service, with 5G-level capabilities and download speeds of up to 150Mbps, all beamed from satellites in space.

Those capabilities, coupled with its existing ability to deliver coverage where conventional mobile networks struggle, could make it either a major boon to carriers it partners with or a significant rival if SpaceX sets up a standalone alternative to the likes of T-Mobile and Verizon.

Starlink mobile services are already rolling out in numerous countries

Any rival service is probably still a way off, especially as the company might need to build some more traditional network infrastructure to compete with conventional carriers in densely populated areas.

But SpaceX is already starting to partner with carriers globally. For example, it recently announced a partnership with Japanese telecommunications company KDDI to offer “Starlink Mobile V2,” which will apparently offer “100x the data density, and will enable native calls, high-speed apps, streaming and more.”

And with this FCC green light, we might one day see Starlink Mobile services offered directly to customers both in the US and abroad, rather than through partnerships alone.

• Vodafone TV is launching in October as a set top box and service
• It will come with access to Freely, Netflix, and HBO, plus Android TV apps
• Users will also be able to stream hundreds of cloud games

Vodafone is moving beyond mobile and broadband services to offer a TV streaming service and box called Vodafone TV, which gives you access to Freely — a free streaming service with over 70 live channels and thousands of hours of on-demand content.

Beyond the big free names like the BBC and Channel 4, Vodafone TV also comes with subscriptions to Netflix Standard with ads and HBO Max Standard with ads, which makes it something of a rival to Sky, as you can get similar subscriptions as part of that company’s Sky Ultimate TV package.

The Vodafone TV hub also runs Android TV, so it includes access to near-endless apps and games on the Google Play Store, including dedicated apps for most streaming services, meaning you’re not limited to what Vodafone itself bundles in.

It's a cloud gaming console too

And speaking of games, Vodafone TV also comes with access to over 300 cloud games, which you can play using a Bluetooth controller or a smartphone.

You’ll also be able to rent and buy films through Vodafone Box Office, and a companion app will allow you to start watching something at home and then continue elsewhere via the app.

As for the hardware, the Vodafone TV hub has 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and support for 4K, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. Vodafone hasn’t yet revealed the pricing, but has said that its Vodafone TV box and service will be available from October to mobile and broadband customers, so we should find out more then.

Vodafone TV launches alongside a new Vodafone mobile plan called SuperMobile, which will supposedly deliver up to 4x faster speeds than Vodafone’s standard plans, and guarantee minimum speeds of 15Mbps at all times.

"Vodafone's double launch is a bid to be your 'everything' provider — one company for your mobile, broadband, telly and streaming, all on a single bill," Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch, told TechRadar in a statement.

"Vodafone TV is all about content convenience: streaming subscriptions, live channels and bills brought together in one place, with a companion app to take it on the move. And as the only UK mobile network to bundle TV with a mobile plan, Vodafone has opened this up to millions of households who don't take its broadband.

"But one roof doesn’t mean one option. Do the maths before signing up; remember add-ons can rise mid-contract alongside everything else, and only pay for certainty or convenience you'll actually use."

Catherine Hiley, mobile and broadband expert at Go.Compare, suggests you should exercise similar caution over whether your current broadband plan can support the demands of Vodafone TV: “Since it operates via broadband, the key thing for consumers to consider here is to make sure you’ve got fast enough speeds to support it without any lag or buffering. Around 50Mbps should be enough for a household with one or two people, but larger households might need 150Mbps, or even more if there’ll be multiple people streaming at once.

"If you’re on slower speeds, then you may need to switch or upgrade – just make sure you wait until the end of your contract to avoid any nasty early-exit fees.”

We'll be testing out Vodafone TV for ourselves over the coming weeks, so stay tuned for our verdict on its value-for-money proposition.

Vodafone has today announced SuperMobile, a “completely new category of mobile connectivity” that will meet the demands of bandwidth-hungry generative AI products like the Meta Glasses.

SuperMobile will supposedly deliver up to 4x faster speeds than Vodafone’s standard plans, and guarantee minimum speeds of 15Mbps at all times; if your connection ever drops below 15Mbps, you’ll be able to walk away from your SuperMobile plan without paying an early termination fee.

“In a world of streaming on the go, and in a new world of generative AI that requires reliable low latency, SuperMobile is the plan that delivers superior performance,” Rob Winterschladen, Vodafone’s Consumer Director, explained at the plan’s announcement. “If you believe in the potential of AI, then you also believe in the potential of SuperMobile.”

‘Latency’ refers to the time delay between a user’s request and a system's response; the lower the latency, the faster the response. You need a consistent internet speed of between 25 and 50Mbps to enjoy low-latency 4K streaming and responsive online gaming, but with the rollout of SuperMobile, Vodafone is anticipating a future in which our mobile devices demand significantly more bandwidth.

As Winterschladen explained to TechRadar in an interview: “Depending on the use case, the need for low latency gets bigger and bigger. If you’re asking ChatGPT, ‘What’s the weather today?’, you don’t really need super low latency. Where it starts to become more important — and I think we’re in the embryonic phase of low-latency use cases evolving — is with video content creation, augmented reality products like the Meta Glasses; that kind of stuff. If you’re walking down the street with a pair of Meta Glasses, and you’ve got AI in real-time overlaying AR onto your view, that’s where low latency becomes more important.

“So if you believe in the potential of generative AI,” Winterschladen continued, “and we do; we see it in the data travelling over our network — as those use cases get more complicated and more demanding of low latency, that’s where SuperMobile comes in. It’s 5G+, on a slice, with super low latency, and therefore generative AI will become more responsive.”

In other words: Vodafone is future-proofing its connectivity offering against bandwidth-hungry AI platforms and wearables. Smart glasses like the Ray-Ban Meta might not be as ubiquitous as smartphones right now, but that’s where things are headed: we know that OpenAI, for instance, is developing a ChatGPT-powered wearable with former Apple designer Jony Ive, while Apple itself is reportedly designing a new form of AI-powered, camera-equipped AirPods.

But even if you’re not excited/frightened (delete as appropriate) by Vodafone’s bold vision of the future, its new SuperMobile plan does at least bring a more tangible benefit to the table: that fixed minimum internet speed of 15Mbps. If your plan ever drops below that speed — even once — you’ll be able to walk away for free.

This guarantee isn’t quite ‘no questions asked’, but it’s close enough: “Customers have got to be on the 5G+ network,” Winterschladen clarified to TechRadar. “And we’ve built the ability to do a speed test, so we’ll look at that speed test, and if [your SuperMobile plan] is not hitting the 15Mbps minimum, then we’ll let the customer go. Now the question is, ‘Where else are you going to go to get better performance?’ But yes, if our speed tests show the customer is getting less than 15Mbps, and they’re on 5G+, then we’ll let them go without penalty.”

Of course, SuperMobile is all about getting far, far quicker speeds than that 15Mbps minimum, but as Catherine Hiley, mobile and broadband expert at Go.Compare, warns, “it’s probably worth checking your existing data usage before committing to a plan like this. You may not notice the benefit of such speeds if you only use your data for simple tasks like general web browsing.

"So as tempting as SuperMobile may be, it’s important to not get drawn in by the numbers and check what sort of speeds you actually need first. If you tend not to use a lot of data, it’s probably more beneficial to go for a cheaper plan with a lower allowance, but if you’re someone who loves to stream or play games on the go, it could be a really exciting option to consider.”

Vodafone’s SuperMobile plan is available now for £3 per month more than its full-speed Xtra plans, £8 more than its SIM-only 100Mbps plans, £4 more than its handset 100Mbps plans, or as a rolling monthly add-on for £12.

• Musk has recently been bullish about Starlink's potential as a rival to T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T
• However, T-Mobile's CEO sees satellite connectivity as complementary to conventional coverage
• As such, they think that Starlink's threat to mobile operators has been exaggerated

If you believe Elon Musk, then Starlink could soon pose a major threat to the US’s mobile operators, but the CEO of T-Mobile disagrees.

According to Musk in a recent earnings call, Starlink’s terrestrial cellular network will “probably” offer better connectivity and higher bandwidth than cellular providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. In fact, Musk even went so far as to say that he envisions Starlink will ultimately "deliver a majority of the world's internet."

As a result, Gwynne Shotwell, the president and chief operating officer of SpaceX (which owns Starlink), added that she expects the company to “acquire quite a few” customers from those mobile networks.

But in an interview with the Financial Times, T-Mobile’s CEO Srini Gopalan argued that “you’ve got to ask the question of ‘what is the gap in the market that they’re looking to serve?’,” adding “I always prefer starting these conversations back from the customer: why would a customer buy a new cellular service? Where do they go? What’s their differentiation? It’s clearly not having a broad network.”

An alternative or an addition?

Of course, Musk has arguably already answered the question of differentiation with his claims of Starlink having higher bandwidth and better connectivity, and indeed T-Mobile already leverages Starlink satellites to boost its rural coverage.

But Gopalan suggests that this is how things should be, with satellite connectivity being “complementary” to existing networks.

So it remains to be seen who is right here. A lot might come down to price, and whether Starlink continues giving the likes of T-Mobile access to its satellites once it has launched a rival service.

That service isn’t expected until the end of 2027, though, so T-Mobile and the US’s other mobile operators have some time to make sure they remain competitive.

• Starlink Mobile could become a reality in 2027
• It will likely rely on the very new Starlink V3 satellite
• SpaceX's huge Starship will play a crucial role in the effort to compete with major carriers

SpaceX's first earnings call this week as a publicly traded company was full of promises and hyperbole, including the prediction from boaster-in-chief Elon Musk (also SpaceX CEO and Chief Engineer) that Starlink "will deliver a majority of the world's internet, at least in countries where we're allowed to operate, which is the vast majority of countries." As for a time scale, think not the distant future, but fewer than 10 years.

That's some bold talk, but SpaceX President, COO, and someone far less likely to wax bombastic, Gwynne Shotwell, backed up those claims. "As far as revenue, I'm just going to take a very high-level kind of top-down. The big three in the U.S., AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, roughly between them, $600 billion a year. I anticipate us to be able to acquire quite a few of their customers because I think our service will be better." Shotwell told investors.

These promises all hinge, in part, on the development and launch of Starlink's V3 satellites, which will, on a per-satellite basis, drastically improve throughput. Starlink's current V2 satellite has a downlink throughput of roughly 80GBps. V3 can, the company claims, deliver 1 Terabit of downlink connectivity. Uplink jumps from roughly 7 Gbps to between 160 and 200 Gbps.

It's not just the speed; Starlink V3 satellites promise exponentially more beams, which is basically support for more concurrent users. V2 offers just under 200 beams while V3 promises 2048 per satellite.

Still, with just a reported 10,918 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), they will need a way of quickly delivering tens of thousands of satellites into orbit to achieve this lofty goal.

And so the other part of this hyperbolic plan hinges on SpaceX's still-in-testing Starship rocket. Granted, the 408ft tall spacecraft is rapidly transitioning to the operational phase and may have a full launch as soon as this month. It's already lifted some V3 satellites into orbit during one of its earlier orbital test flights. Now, to realize Musk's plan, it must shift to rapid launch deployment and then relaunch and deploy again.

Musk told investors that "Starlink V3 satellite is about an order of magnitude more capable than the Starlink V2 satellite." Then he added some color on the scale of what SpaceX and Starlink are planning: "We expect to launch about an order of magnitude more Starlink V3 satellites. That would mean a roughly two-order-of-magnitude increase in the delivered bandwidth."

Musk believes we'll need all that bandwidth, not just for potential consumer mobile broadband users but for the vast amounts of data and connectivity required by AI and robotics (both here and possibly on a Moon base), two other sectors where Musk has a vested interest.

"With the advent of AI, and humanoid robotics and vehicle robotics and just a massive number of robots, the appetite for bandwidth will be much greater than it has been in the past," he explained during the earnings call.

Starlink Mobile reality check

Starlink, though, is quite a distance away from competing directly with Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T in the US. Across them, they have more than 300M connections (or customers). Starlink has a reported 12M global customers.

As for those V3 satellites that will help propel Starlink Mobile into the mobile broadband competitive space, they do not officially launch until next year. In the meantime, Starlink's V2 Satellites will fill the gaps and help provide partners like EchoStar with better, faster, and maybe more reliable satellite connectivity.

We do already have some proof of the efficacy of Starlink WiFi connectivity and throughput. Earlier this year, TechRadar US Managing Editor for News Jake Krol took a flight on a Starlink-equipped United Airlines aircraft where he enjoyed incredible connectivity and speed. Krol was a fan: "I could livestream a show or movie, or even select a 'live channel' via Disney+ on an iPad, watch any video on YouTube, and scroll through TikTok or Instagram Reels without the slowdowns or loading issues typical of non-Starlink-equipped United flights."

Of course, that connectivity goes from the Starlink satellites to a responder on the jet, which then feeds the signal to onboard Wi-Fi and connected devices. In the case of Starlink Mobile, there'll potentially be no middleman, just your phone, a satellite, and instant, fast connectivity.

The benefit of the low-Earth-orbit V3 satellites, when they do finally launch and fill the skies, is that they should allow consumers to connect with them just as they would with towers assigned to their favorite carrier.

There is also one major hurdle that SpaceX and Starlink already cleared when the FCC granted Starlink approval in January 2026 for the company's "Next-gen satellite constellation."

Even with all this in place, the stars must align with Starship being fully operational, all those new satellites launched, and customers lined up by the millions. The last bit is surely the biggest question mark. Even if most of their modern cellphones support these direct-to-satellite connections, how likely are consumers to leave their trusted carrier behind?

Shotwell, for one, is bullish: "I'm quite excited about Starlink Mobile going forward," she told investors, "We will start to fly the satellites next year, and we will start providing service end of next year."

• Vodafone confirms £4.3 billion buyout of CK Hutchison from VodafoneThree
• Plan was announced in May 2026, and the deal has moved fast
• Vodafone and Three merged in June 2025, with network expansion alreayd underway

Vodafone has officially taken full ownership of its UK mega-network with a billion-pound deal.

The company revealed it has spent £4.3 billion (€4.9 billion) for the remaining 49% of VodafoneThree it did not already own following its merger with fellow UK network Three back in June 2025.

The news comes shortly after Vodafone confirmed its plans to take full ownership in May 2026, as it looks to boost the company's mobile and broadband networks across the UK.

Vodafone control

“With full ownership and control, we’ll have the ability to move faster in the next phase of building one of Europe’s leading networks," noted Margherita Della Valle, Chief Executive of Vodafone Group.

"This best-in-class infrastructure will deliver better connectivity for our customers up and down the country, help drive the UK's digital economy, and deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”

The company noted that the deal was fully funded from existing Vodafone Group cash resources, and should help it reach targets including £700 million of annual cost and capital expenditure synergies by its FY30.

It also hopes acquiring full ownership will allow it, "to move at an even faster pace and capture the significant benefits created through our £11 billion network investment plan."

VodafoneThree says it plans to host an Investor Briefing in October 2026 which will outline the company's strategy, growth ambitions and "the significant value creation we expect to deliver over the coming years, as we focus on building the UK’s best network."

• O2's 2G networks set to be pulled from 2029 in line with industry
• 4G and 5G networks are more secure and more efficient
• Some IoT and connected systems still use 2G

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has become the latest UK mobile operator to announce plans to shut down its legacy 2G networks, beginning in 2029.

At the same time, VMO2 said not having to look after 2G networks will free up more resources to look after, and improve, 4G and 5G network capacity, speeds and reliability.

The company already started shutting down its 3G networks in 2025, with a national cutoff planned as soon as this year, but 2G networks remained open in the meantime.

VMO2 to start pulling 2G networks from 2029

EE is also turning off its 2G networks from 2029, with VodafoneThree following suit in 2030.

While VMO2 promises to warn customers to help them identify affected devices and migrate to more modern networks, most smartphone users are unlikely to notice an impact because modern smartphones rely on 4G and 5G networks instead.

But IoT devices, smart meters, payment terminals, alarm systems and other crucial infrastructure has traditionally used 2G networks.

"While most customers won’t need to take any action at all, some businesses might need to start planning for this now," CTO Jeanie York explained.

The industry-wide 2G shutdown ultimately falls under government plans to strengthen telecoms security, following concerns over supply chain risks, cyberattacks and the general security of critical national infrastructure.

VMO2 also disclosed the environmental benefits of the shutdown. Though its 2G networks only carry 0.5% of all VMO2 mobile network traffic, it accounts for more than 10% of the company’s total cell site energy consumption. The company declared that its 4G and 5G networks are 10x more efficient.

You probably know how much mobile data you pay for every month, but do you know how much you actually use? I suppose, in this day and age, that’s like asking if you know how many liters of water you drink every month (“No, but I know it’s a lot”).

Mobile data usage has skyrocketed in recent years due to a variety of factors (not least the advent of autoplay features in social media apps such as TikTok). Analysis from Ericsson suggests the amount of data transferred over cellular data networks has increased more than sevenfold since 2020, with the monthly average now standing at 25GB per device in both the US and Western Europe.

But while it’s true that most of us are using more mobile data than ever, these numbers don’t quite paint the full picture — they embolden mobile operators to sell oversized data plans, and, in all likelihood, you’re paying for more data than you actually need.

That 25GB figure is skewed by smartphone users who rarely, if ever, touch Wi-Fi. We all stream HD video over 5G and occasionally set up mobile hotspots for our laptops, but some people do these things near-constantly (yes, really), using upwards of 100GB per month and disproportionately affecting the monthly average.

By contrast, Ofcom’s Communications Market Report 2025 suggests the average person in the UK uses 10.6GB of data per month, while Statista puts the equivalent US figure at between 5 and 15GB, which aligns with Ofcom’s findings. All three numbers are significantly lower than the 25GB figure quoted by Ericsson, suggesting they account for those disproportionately high usage cases (there are, of course, disproportionately low usage cases to consider too).

Unlimited mobile data plans are a popular choice among users who don’t want to be charged per gigabyte or exceed a monthly limit, but as above, these plans are rarely better options — financially speaking — than the cheaper, fixed-capacity data plans they sit above.

“Mobile operators and MVNOs [Mobile Virtual Network Operators] face higher network costs as data usage increases, which is why plans with larger allowances typically cost more,” Christian Banhans, UK Managing Director at mobile operator spusu, exclusively tells TechRadar. “However, many customers only use a fraction of their monthly data, meaning they may be paying for more than they actually need.”

“The main reason customers use less data than their allowance is psychological, as they want to avoid running out, so they often choose plans with more data than they need,” Banhans continues. “Providers also face fixed costs for each plan, alongside the costs of (often unlimited) minutes and texts. In our experience, the difference in underlying costs is relatively small compared with the pricing difference between plans.”

“Larger plans often have a lower cost per gigabyte, making them appear better value even when much of the data goes unused. This is where the gap between what customers pay for and what they use tends to be greatest.”

How to check your data usage

Banhans notes that there are several ways consumers can avoid paying for more data than they need. “The first is to sync your phone’s internal data counter to the billing cycle and track how much data you need per month, or download a standalone application to do that.”

To check your data usage on your iPhone, go to Settings, Cellular (or Mobile Service), then scroll down to the Mobile Data menu. The Current Period displayed here reflects your data usage since the last time your Mobile Data Usage Statistics were reset, which will probably be some time ago. To align that figure with your specific monthly billing cycle, you’ll want to scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap Reset Statistics on the same day each month that your billing cycle resets. You can set up a recurring Reminder to help you remember to do this.

A more straightforward solution, though, is to track your data usage through your network provider's official app — which will already be aligned with your monthly billing cycle — or use a third-party data tracking app like My Data Manager and Data Remaining.

On Samsung phones, the process is simpler. If you go to Settings, Connections, then Data Usage, you’ll see your data usage displayed in a monthly format by default. To manually align the dates to your monthly billing cycle, tap Billing cycle and data warning, then Start billing cycle on.

To see your monthly data usage on Pixel phones, go to Settings, Network & internet, then SIMs. You can choose which date you’d like your data usage stats to be reset under App data usage cycle. The process is similar for most other Android phones.

How to choose the right data plan

If, using the above methods, you find that you’re paying for more data than you actually use, you’ll want to choose a data plan that better fits your needs.

I suggest choosing a data allowance that sits a gigabyte or two above your monthly average, unless the provider in question makes it easy (and affordable) to add more data to the plan as and when needed. “It’s also important to account for occasional high-usage months, as well as factors such as Wi-Fi access and travel habits, when choosing the right allowance,” Banhans adds.

Some network providers allow you to ‘rollover’ unused data so it can be used in another month, but this shouldn’t be seen as a reason to choose a data allowance that far exceeds your real-world monthly average: “While rollover data is often presented as a solution to unused data allowances, the extra data frequently goes unused and eventually expires unless a customer’s usage varies significantly from month to month.”

In some cases, unused rollover data can be converted into money off new plans or device contracts, but these savings are often laughably small compared to the money you’ll have overspent on accruing that rollover data in the first place.

So, in summary, while unlimited and large-capacity data plans are attractive options for many people, network providers rely on consumer ignorance to sell these often excessive packages. If you put in the small amount of work required to determine your actual monthly data usage — using the methods outlined in this article — you could save hundreds over the course of a year.

• The banking app Monzo is launching new mobile phone plans
• The three plans will get cheaper the longer you stay with Monzo
• They launch this summer, and you can join the waitlist now

Mobile banking app Monzo is shaking up the UK's mobile phone networks with three new eSim plans that launch this summer — and they get cheaper the longer you stay.

Monzo Mobile will piggyback on the Virgin Media O2 network, and the banking app says it will reward loyalty by reducing your monthly bills by 5% each year, up to a total discount of 30%. That's a new trick that could prove popular with anyone who's tired of contract price hikes.

So how do those three plans break down? As you can see below, Monzo will be offering an £8 per month plan (with a 10GB data cap), a £12 per month plan (for 30GB of data), and an 'Unlimited' plan for £20 per month. Beyond the data caps, the main differences between the three are their roaming options.

These aren't the absolute cheapest mobile network plans in the UK — for example, Lebara (which uses the Vodafone network) currently has a 10GB monthly rolling contract that costs on average £2.48 per month over a year, and includes roaming.

But Monzo Mobile's plans are certainly still tempting, and the digital bank will be hoping to convert some of its 15 million customers with features like the ability to track your mobile data, roaming and more within the Monzo app.

The flipside is that you'll need a Monzo current account to join its new mobile network, with the waitlist open now if you head to official Monzo Mobile page.

How good a deal is it?

The launch of Monzo Mobile is certainly a smart move for the digital bank, which has strong brand recognition in the UK — but not everyone is convinced it'll be a home run just yet.

Duygu Yenidogan-Schmidt, General Manager for Core Banking at Monzo, said that "we've always believed your bank should do the hard work for you" and that the new network is "mobile, done the Monzo way.”

However, Monzo isn't the first new mobile player we've seen recently. Earlier this year Revolut launched a mobile plan that gives you a free NordVPN subscription for all plans. The digital bank Klarna also has a waitlist open for its new unlimited plan.

Jez Samuel, Uswitch mobiles expert, said: "We’re seeing more players enter mobile than ever before, which can only mean more choice for consumers. Flexible, no-contract plans are appealing, but that flexibility cuts both ways as Monzo can change the price of its plans at any time.”

While Monzo Mobile's headline feature is its 5% loyalty discount, there's nothing to stop it rolling out inflation-linked price rises. The banking app told This is Money that there is no "commitment" to imposing price increases "at this stage".

Customers who are already on high-value networks like Giffgaff also won't necessarily be tempted to switch. Over on Reddit, one commentator claimed that the "O2 network is disappointing" and that they're "super shocked that EU roaming is not included across all plans" (you don't get this on the £8 per month Monzo Mobile plan).

Meanwhile, a current Giffgaff customer said they're "definitely not sold" due to the pricing and lack of EU roaming in the base Monzo plan. Still, Monzo users could still see value in tracking their banking and mobile usage in one app, and we'll find out exactly how popular this new player is when it launches this summer.

• AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are working together to offer standardized satellite connectivity
• It would benefit customers not covered by cell towers, like in national parks
• Operators globally are looking to use satellite for more than emergencies, now

In a rare turn of events, three of the biggest mobile carriers in the US have announced they will be working together to tackle 'dead zones' across the country using satellites.

The joint venture, formed by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, should help to improve connectivity in areas where traditional towers can fail, such as national parks and highways.

Satellites could also provide continuity in disaster-struck regions, where land-based infrastructure damages can cause widespread outages.

Satellite technology to eliminate dead zones

Because the joint venture's plan revolves around direct-to-device satellite tech, it would mean that regular smartphone could access signal in rural areas without consumers needing to buy specific satellite phones. While many phones now offer limited services via satellite, it's hoped that the scheme would make roaming between cellular and satellite networks more seamless.

"Having launched the first nationwide, satellite-powered direct-to-device network for text and data, we’ve seen firsthand how critical reliable connectivity can be when America needs it most," T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan commented.

T-Mobile already partners with SpaceX, which has been expanding its footprint across voice and data services on top of earlier emergency texting functionalities. AT&T and Verizon also have partnerships with AST SpaceMobile for their satellite services.

The announcement comes amid a broader global shift, whereby satellite networks are becoming more tightly integrated with regular 5G and 6G cell connections, instead of being a separate emergency-only tool.

As well as improving coverage and performance for customers, the joint venture also anticipates industry benefits, such as industry-wide device compatibility and an easier way for mobile network operators (MNOs) to integrate satellite connectivity for their customers.

The agreement in principle is yet to be confirmed, pending regulatory approval and confirmation of the finer details.

• Vodafone launches 5G home broadband
• The move opens up 'full fibre-like speeds' to 3.7 million more homes, and over 26 million homes in total
• Renters can benefit from a one-month rolling contract option

If you’re living in short-term accommodation or somewhere without access to full fibre, Vodafone’s new 5G broadband packages could be for you.

The company is now offering “full fibre-like speeds” to customers via 5G, opening up high-speed internet connectivity to the 3.7 million UK homes that still struggle with the unreliable speeds offered by part-fibre or copper wires.

The move will also benefit students and renters in short-term accommodation, as Vodafone’s 5G broadband package is available on either a one-month rolling contract or traditional 24-month contract — its full fibre packages, by comparison, are only available on the latter contract.

Vodafone’s 5G Power Hub router can be self-installed — it doesn’t require an engineer visit, nor an existing landline to be set up — it’s powered by Wi-Fi 6, and Vodafone promises speeds of up to 150Mbps. That’s around three times faster than the typical part-fibre speed.

Is 150Mbps fast enough for gamers? Definitely. But Vodafone does caveat its offering by saying that “because it’s wireless, speeds can fluctuate at times based on signal strength, how far you are from the mast and how busy the local network is at any given time. Placing your 5G Hub in the best position possible will help maintain a stable, reliable connection.”

The company will also soon launch an outdoor 5G hub, should your 5G signal be stronger outdoors than indoors. This hub will “lock on to the strongest 5G signal available in the area and connect directly to the indoor Power Hub router,” delivering “a consistent connection throughout the home.”

Until now, Three was the only major UK broadband provider to offer 5G broadband — but even that package was (and still is) offered on a minimum 12-month plan. Vodafone’s merger with Three in June 2025 has clearly allowed the former to make use of the latter’s infrastructure: “The integration of Vodafone and Three’s networks is supercharging VodafoneThree’s 5G footprint, enabling Vodafone 5G Broadband to reach millions more homes with high-speed connectivity,” Vodafone said in a statement.

Vodafone’s 5G broadband is available now for £21 per month on a 24-month contract, or £30 per month on a rolling 30-day contract. Those prices are for the 50Mbps plan; they rise to £22 and £32, respectively, for the 150Mbps plan.

• BT is re-opening its BT Mobile service to existing broadband customers
• These plans will be eSIM-only and come with built-in spam detection tools
• BT says BT Mobile will 'live alongside' its existing EE mobile network

If you’re a BT customer who would prefer to have your broadband and mobile plans under one roof, you’re in luck: BT is bringing back BT Mobile.

At a press conference announcing BT’s appointment as the Official Telecommunications Partner of UEFA Euro 2028, the company confirmed that BT Mobile — which was shuttered to new users in 2023 — will reopen for new and existing BT broadband customers in the near future.

BT Mobile plans will be eSIM-only and come with AI-driven spam detection tools as standard. Similar tools already exist on the BT-owned EE network, but EE charges customers £2 per month to access them.

This is just one of the ways in which BT will differentiate its two mobile brands. “Different customers want different things,” Claire Gillies, CEO, Consumer at BT Group, explained in a panel discussion attended by TechRadar, “and each of our brands will have its own unique set of attributes [...] BT Mobile and EE will live alongside [one another], serving the customers that are best suited to [each brand]. We’ll target them separately."

“We have a population on BT who talk about reliability. They talk about security, they talk about the support they get — having a UK-based call center continues to be very important to that population. And then you have the EE customer, who is [part of] a busy family home, who's looking for the latest innovations in tech, the fastest networks."

“But some customers would prefer to have all of their services conveniently from one provider,” Gillies continued. “And to date, those customers have been looking elsewhere for mobile, whether that’s towards our EE brand or others in the market. This is an opportunity to bring more to them in a more convenient way, and, of course, provide the benefits that come with that, including a better, more reliable network, and a more secure network, because we're starting with security built into those mobile plans.”

BT Group's CEO, Allison Kirkby, was similarly bullish about the ease with which consumers will perceive the differences between BT Mobile and EE: “We’ve been running with multiple brands for well over a year now, and we're very clear [about] how we can differentiate the brands so that they're complementary to each other. We've also learned a lot about how to better target [customers] so that the two brands working together can be more than some of their parts.”

• BT reveals host of new offerings for businesses and consumer users across the UK
• Business users will now get free security tools as part of BT contract
• BT also selected as official telecoms partner of Euro 2028

BT has announced a host of new updates and upgrades for its customers across the UK, as well as revealing it has been chosen as the official telecommunications partner for the upcoming Euro 2028 football tournament.

Launching a new "Behind Brilliant Things" at London's Wembley Stadium, the company unveiled a host of new announcements as it looks to continue its role as a mainstay of UK connectivity.

Along with its Euro 2028 news, the company also revealed the comeback of its BT Mobile brand, new eSIM offerings, and extra security tools for business and customer accounts.

Euro 2028 and more

"As the connector of the country, BT really matters, especially when it comes to events that connect the country, unite the country and showcase the country to the rest of the world," noted Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive, BT Group.

Since the start of the decade, BT has been the single biggest investor of all FTSE companies into UK infrastructure, she added, with the group spending £25 billion to become "digital backbone" of the country in what Kirkby called "a once in a generation investment."

This puts BT on track to reach more than 90% of UK homes and businesses by the end of the decade - a major rise from the current two-thirds.

The company already connects over a million businesses across the UK, along with public sector partners, making it a crucial ally for firms around the country.

"BT really is the only UK operator with the ability, the security expertise, and the operational resilience that can deliver connectivity of this magnitude across the UK," added Jon James, CEO Business.

"BT is trusted every day to deliver the services that help the UK succeed."

In order to help maintain this success, James revealed "a significant upgrade" to the security tools BT offers business customers across the UK, who will now receive Cyber Threat Protect, a new security solution powered by CrowdStrike, free of charge.

"BT is delivering big security for small and medium businesses, at a time when cybercrime has never been more worrying," James added.

Set to be held across 9 cities and broadcast to over 2 billion fans worldwide, Kirkby noted how Euro 2028 offers BT a huge opportunity to show off the state of its network, as well as providing a lasting technology legacy to continue after the tournament.

"Only BT could be behind moments," she said, adding , "you can't always see it, but we're there...trusted to connect homes, businesses and communities, trusted to protect families, organizations and critical public services, and trusted to supercharge the UK - powering progress, so everyone can thrive in this digital age."

• Three is introducing speed caps on phone, SIM Only, and mobile broadband plans for new and upgrading customers
• The cap is 100Mbps in most cases, with Pay As You Go having a lower cap
• Existing customers aren't affected, and contract customers will be able to pay extra to remove the cap

Three seems to have just taken a step backwards, because where previously you could get uncapped 5G on all of its plans at no extra cost, the network has now implemented speed caps.

Specifically, new Pay Monthly mobile plans (meaning contracts on SIM Only or with a new handset) will have a 100Mbps speed cap, and so will mobile broadband plans. It is still possible to get uncapped speeds, but you’ll have to either choose a new ‘Lite+’ plan or pay an extra £4 a month.

On Pay As You Go, the cap is instead 25Mbps — or 50Mbps if you have an automatically renewing pack.

That’s quite a reduction compared to what the network is actually capable of — in a January 2026 report, for example, Opensignal found that the average 5G download speed on Three was 187Mbps. But now, to get that, you’ll have to pay £4 extra a month on the company’s new Pay Monthly plans, and there’s no way to uncap your speeds on Pay As You Go.

The only good news here is that these changes don’t affect existing contract customers, and if you’re currently on an auto-renewing Pay As You Go plan, then you’ll also retain uncapped speeds while you stick with the same pack.

But of course, when you come to upgrade your contract, or if you ever change your Pay As You Go pack, then you will have these caps put in place.

The merger might be to blame

The internet, understandably, is not best pleased by this change, with Reddit reactions including “time to leave”, “my to-do list has moved away from Three on it”, and “the merger should never have been allowed through.” That last quote references Three’s merger with Vodafone, which might be to blame for these new speed caps, especially as Vodafone itself restricts speeds on some of its plans.

Interestingly, these changes don’t appear to apply to MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that operate on Three’s network yet, with iD Mobile confirming that there are not currently any speed caps on its network.

So, as well as typically being cheaper than Three, its MVNOs may now have a clear advantage — though how long that will last remains to be seen, with iD Mobile also noting that “the industry trend is clearly moving toward tiered speeds.”

Still, for now, if you’re on Three and due an upgrade — or were considering switching to Three — you might want to look at one of its MVNOs instead.

I love my SIM-only rolling contract. It delivers a huge amount of data, unlimited calls, and best of all, there's no commitment. If your contract is up or you're looking to switch contracts, then you'll want to know Smarty is offering a double data upgrade that gets you 80GB for £10 a month.

This is one of the huge benefits of going with a rolling contract: if I want more data or find a better deal elsewhere, then I can jump over without any hassle at all. But, with 80GB of data, that's enough to cover all your app downloads, video watching, and social media browsing.

But, if that's not enough, a 200GB SIM will only cost you £15 per month. This is the perfect solution if you're streaming shows and movies with your mobile data.

These SIM cards will work on your existing handset, or if you're thinking about buying one of the new Samsung Galaxy S26 phones, then they're compatible too.

Today’s best cheap SIM-only deal

Smarty provides simple, honest, SIM-only plans, including eSIMs. Every plan is good value and so flexible, so it can be changed or cancelled at any time. If you've never heard of Smarty, the company also utilises Three's network, which means they're able to deliver a reliable service.

My SIM plan includes 10GB, which allows me to watch videos, download apps, play games, and browse the web. The 80GB package that Smarty is offering here is therefore more than sufficient to cover most people's needs.

There's also EU roaming included up to a fair 12GB limit, which I'm sure will be sufficient for most holiday trips. To top it all off, the plan includes unlimited calls and texts as well as WiFi calling.

It's also worth checking out our cheap phone deals and mobile phone deals if you're looking to save money on your next handset.

• BT and Three networks went down in June and July
• Connections to emergency services were affected
• Ofcom is now investigating the culpability of the networks

Update, December 16: We've updated this story with statements from BT and Three.

Original story follows:

Cell phone outages aren't just an inconvenience, they can actually put lives at risk if emergency service calls are disrupted – and Ofcom has announced it's investigating BT and Three over major downtime that happened in July of this year.

For BT, there was a software-related issue that caused BT and EE systems to break down on the 24th and 25th of July 2025. As you might remember if you use those providers, customers couldn't make or receive calls, or get in touch with the emergency services.

A separate incident also affected the Three network across the UK on the 25th of June, so this was clearly a bad couple of months for the country's networks. Again, customers were left unable to reach the police, ambulance, and fire services through their mobiles.

These incidents were reported by the companies involved, a legal requirement once disruption hits a certain level. It's Ofcom's job as the regulator to decide how responsible the service providers are – and whether or not the issues could have been prevented.

We asked both Three and BT for their reactions to the news. A BT spokesperson said: "We are aware that Ofcom has begun an investigation into the technical fault impacting voice calls on our network on 24th and 25th July 2025. We will co-operate fully with Ofcom throughout the investigation and apologise again for any issues caused by this incident."

Meanwhile, a Three spokesperson told us: “Three experienced disruption to voice services following an exceptional spike in network traffic triggered by a third-party software configuration change. Since the outage, we have engaged openly with Ofcom and will continue to cooperate fully with their investigation."

'Appropriate and proportionate measures'

"Mobile operators are required to take appropriate and proportionate measures to identify and reduce the risks and prepare for the occurrence of anything that compromises the availability, performance or functionality of their network or service," says Ofcom.

"Our investigations will seek to establish the facts surrounding these incidents and assess whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that BT and Three have failed to comply with their regulatory obligations."

If Ofcom decides that BT and Three have failed in their duty to keep their networks up and running, a hefty fine is the most likely outcome. Last year, BT was fined £17.5 million by Ofcom for a failure of its service that blocked thousands of 999 calls.

Customers would probably settle for being able to connect to the cellular service they're paying for, when they need to. Both BT and Three say they are cooperating with the investigation, and hopefully taking steps to stop these problems from happening again.

I've been on a SIM-only rolling contract for as long as I can remember, and I would honestly never go back to a 12 or 24-month contract. I love the ability to cancel at any time – and I can guarantee I'm always on the best deal. One such deal available right now is this Smarty triple data upgrade from 8GB to 24GB for only £7 per month.

That's a ridiculously low price for enough data to watch TV shows and movies, play games, and download apps.

The promotion is available for up to 15 consecutive months and then your plan will revert to the 8GB data package. However, as with these rolling contracts, you can cancel whenever you want if you find a better offer or want to add more data.

Today’s best cheap SIM-only deal

Smarty is known for its flexible and affordable SIM plans. With so many consumers wanting cheap data plans that can be cancelled at any time, Smarty delivers exactly that. The company also utilises Three's network, which means they're able to deliver a reliable service.

The deal includes 24GB of data, which is more than sufficient to stream TV shows and music as well as download apps. There's also EU Roaming included up to a fair 12GB limit, which I'm sure will be sufficient for most holiday trips. To top it all off, the plan includes unlimited calls and texts as well as WiFi calling.

This is one of the best SIM-only deals available at the moment, but if it doesn't quite hit the spot, then you'll want to take a look at these cheap phone deals or the best mobile phone deals instead.

• O2 has given many of its customers a mid-contract price hike
• In some cases, this price rise is 40% more than expected
• Ofcom says it's "disappointed by O2's decision" and has revealed tips

Update, October 31: An O2 spokesperson reached out to us with the following statement about its price hikes.

“As acknowledged by Ofcom in its letter to providers, its rules do not prevent companies from increasing annual price changes – for example, to invest in improving networks. The changes we have announced in no way breach any regulatory rules," the said.

 “We appreciate that price changes are never welcome, but demand for mobile connectivity is greater than ever, and any price change customers see on their bills is greatly outweighed by the £700m we invest each year into our mobile network to meet this growing demand. We have written directly to customers about this change, and they are able to exit without penalty if they wish.”

Original story follows:

O2 customers are understandably unhappy this week as a surprise mid-contract price hike has pushed their bills up by 40% more than they were previously told.

In an email sent to affected customers (below), O2 has said that from April 2026, their contract will increase by £2.50 a month instead of the previously stated £1.80 per month. In other words, that'll cost customers an extra £30 per year, rather than £21.60.

This price hike affects everyone on mobile and SIM-only contracts, unless you're on O2's 'Essential Plan'. And the UK's communications watchdog, Ofcom, has just heavily criticized the move.

“We are disappointed by O2’s decision. This goes against the spirit of our rules which are designed to ensure greater certainty and transparency for customers when they sign up," a spokesperson told us.

Ofcom has also given the UK's mobile networks, not just O2, a slap on the wrist. "Today, we’ve written to the major mobile companies reminding them of their obligations to treat customers fairly. We encourage any customer who wants to avoid these price rises to exercise their right to exit without penalty and sign up to a new deal, following our five top tips," the spokesperson added.

In order to exit your contract without a penalty, you need to do this within 30 days of O2 telling you about the price hike. And to help with that process, Ofcom has also revealed its four other main tips for those affected.

What are your options?

Ofcom's five tips for O2 customers – or customers on other networks in a similar situation – start with that penalty-free contract-cancellation option. In short, "your provider must give 30 days’ notice and let you exit your contract penalty free if they increase prices beyond what you agreed when you signed up", Ofcom says.

The obvious next tip is to shop around with price comparison sites like GoCompareand USwitch to find the best alternative deals. For example, Smarty (on Three's network) and Talkmobile (which piggybacks on Vodafone) currently offer compelling SIM-only deals with unlimited data right now.

You can also use the 'text-to-switch' process to leave O2 quickly. That just involves texting 'INFO' to 85075, which is a free service that gets the process started with some simple instructions.

Fourthly, Ofcom says you should also consider if you're eligible for a cheaper social tariff – these are often branded 'essential' or 'basic'. If you're claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other benefits, you could be eligible for one – to see the full list of available options check out Ofcom's social tariff page. They're cheaper and, helpfully, the price doesn't go up mid-contract.

Lastly, it's worth considering which network offers the best coverage in your area. While it isn't a perfect (its guides are based on predictions from mobile networks and crowdsourced samples) Ofcom's Map Your Mobile tool is a handy way to get a rough idea by searching your post code.

Analysis: The only answer for now is to switch

A number of O2 customers have been venting their frustration about the decision on the likes of X (formerly Twitter). Richard Webster (above) asked "how are O2 allowed to get away with increasing phone bills by 16.9%", while @silentplayer said "leaving providers is the only way you're listened to these days".

The issue has also prompted Martin Lewis from MoneySavingExpert to send an open letter to MPs asking them to "step in to stop mobile, broadband and pay-TV firms increasing prices mid contract by more than they said they would when people sign up".

Lewis also said O2's price hike "makes a mockery" of Ofcom's 'pounds and pence' consumer protection regime, which was introduced earlier this year – and subsequently also avoided by Sky, which said it simply wouldn't tell customers about price hikes before they signed up.

Commenting on its previous attempt to keep the networks in check, an Ofcom spokesperson said that "we want customers to have certainty about their monthly mobile bills" and "that’s why earlier this year we banned unpredictable price rises linked to inflation and instead required providers to tell customers upfront in pounds and pence about any increases in their contract".

Unfortunately, that hasn't been enough to stop the unexpected, above-inflation price hikes – so more drastic government action could be necessary. In the meantime, it could be time to switch to a new network using the tips above.

T-Mobile's 5G home internet plans were already a decent value, but a new deal at the carrier is making them an even better choice this week.

For a limited time, you'll be able to get up to $300 back in the form of a prepaid Mastercard when you sign up for one of the carrier's internet plans. That's a great little freebie that's perfect for driving down costs even further, although according to the T&C's, you can spend it on whatever you like!

If you're already a T-Mobile customer, this could be a great option since you'll not only get the gift card but also additional discounts for bundling your mobile and internet plan together. Note, there's also a five-year price guarantee on all three home internet plans at T-Mobile currently - yet another reason to consider signing up.

T-Mobile 5G home internet deal

• See more: check out all of today's deals at T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet is a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional broadband, starting at just $35 per month when bundled with phone service. All plans include unlimited data on T-Mobile’s expansive 5G network, a free 5G Gateway device, and a five-year price guarantee. Depending on the tier, you’ll also get perks like advanced cybersecurity features, 24/7 support, and even free Hulu and Paramount+ subscriptions with the top-tier All-In plan. To check your availability, simply use the zip-code checker provided on the T-Mobile site.

While 5G internet isn’t as fast or consistent as fiber or cable, it’s a great choice for everyday use like browsing, streaming, and working from home if you want something simple and contract-free. Plans range from $50 to $70 per month (or $35 to $55 with a wireless bundle), and all include taxes and fees upfront. There’s also a 15-day trial with free returns if you’re not satisfied. For those in eligible areas, T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet is a low-hassle way to stay connected, and the free Mastercard gift card is a nice bonus.

One of the best SIM-only deals right now is this limited-time double data SIM at Smarty that includes 200GB of data for £12 a month. That's twice the amount that you ordinarily get for the same price.

You might think this is way more data than you need, but if you use your phone for watching TV shows or movies, then it's amazing how quickly it all adds up. Securing a deal like this will help you avoid any unexpected charges at the end of the month.

The deal also includes EU roaming up to 12GB, so if you're planning a little trip to Europe this summer, then you'll want a package that covers you. We also love that it's a rolling monthly contract that you can exit at any time. This is as flexible as any SIM-only plan can get.

Today’s best cheap SIM-only deal

Smarty is one of the best providers of flexible and affordable SIM plans. That means you can keep your own phone while still taking advantage of this fantastic deal.

200GB of data will let you stream TV shows, download apps, and stream music to your heart's content. And not having to worry about running out of data or incurring unexpected charges will mean you can consume content without a care in the world.

Powered by Three, one of the UK’s leading mobile networks, Smarty Mobile has some of the best SIM-only deals that are packed with data, affordable and flexible in contract lengths.

If you’re looking for other cheap phone deals or the best mobile phone deals around, then we've got you covered. There's literally no reason why you shouldn't be able to get a great deal at an affordable price.

• Vodafone has just passed a major landmark for satellite video calls
• It's demoed a "space video call" using a standard smartphone
• The service will roll out later this year, though there's no pricing yet

Vodafone has announced that it's hit a new milestone in the race to end frustrating cellular 'dead zones' – with what it's calling the "world's first space video call" using a standard mobile phone from "an area of no coverage."

Those qualifiers are important because Starlink and T-Mobile demoed a video call made through X (formerly Twitter) using unmodified phones last year. So Vodafone's claim is specific to making video calls from areas like the remote part of Wales where its demo took place.

Still, it's certainly a significant moment and a big step on Vodafone's path towards adding satellite connectivity to its network by the end of this year in the UK and across Europe "from later in 2025 and 2026."

Rather than replacing existing networks, direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity aims to be a helpful extension that could eliminate "not spots" (or dead zones) in rural areas and also, according to Vodafone, "vast stretches of surrounding sea."

Vodafone claims that its satellite experience "mirrors the experience of existing 4G and 5G mobile networks", although the demo phone call (which you can watch in the video below) certainly showed evidence of lag and low-res footage. We may have to wait for the full roll-out to get a better idea of quality.

The service is provided by BlueBird satellites from Vodafone's partner (and SpaceX rival) AST SpaceMobile. The system is based on five satellites and Vodafone calls it "the first and only mobile broadband network in space" that works directly with standard smartphones.

Rivals systems, like T-Mobile and Starlink's, are currently limited to text messages, although video calls and mobile data are on the roadmap. With AT&T and Verizon also working with AST SpaceMobile to provide a similar service in the US, satellite calling looks ready to take off globally in 2025.

How much will it cost?

The big unknown of Vodafone's satellite connectivity and rival systems is how much they'll cost. Vodafone hasn't yet commented on pricing, only stating that it'll start rolling out the service "following further tests this Spring" (so between March and June).

The need for satellite coverage, particularly video calls, depends greatly on where you live. In the UK, Ofcom has estimated that 9% of the country "lacks good quality 4G coverage from any operator". But those who live in urban areas will also be familiar with phone network "dead zones" caused by interruptions between cell towers.

Apple's iPhones and now Android phones like the Google Pixel 9 series have received free Emergency SOS Satellite features, which can be potential lifesavers. iOS 18 also introduced the ability to text anyone via a satellite connection, plus the option of getting roadside assistance.

It's possible that those services will eventually need a subscription, but Apple hasn't started charging yet. So, the question for mobile networks like Vodafone is how many people will need full mobile broadband via satellite compared to the emergency features that are currently available for free from Apple.

Still, we're not complaining about getting more connectivity options, and competition will hopefully drive the prices of satellite-based services down in the long term.

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• UK regulator says the Vodafone and Three merger can go ahead
• Both companies need to commit to price promises and 5G investment
• Vodafone boss has promised that prices won't rise following the merger

The long-mooted merger between Vodafone and Three has been given the green light by regulators, in a move that creates the UK's biggest mobile phone operator. But what does this all mean for customers of both networks?

Ever since the £15bn merger was announced back in June 2023, opinions have been divided on what might happen – and whether or not it'll ultimately be a good deal for customers.

On the downside, evidence given to the Business and Trade Committee last year suggested that the typical result of these mergers is ultimately higher bills for consumers.

But in defending the deal, Vodafone's Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle has promised in an interview with the BBC's Today programme that the deal will be "self-funded" and that means "no extra costs from public funding and no extra cost for our customers".

Today's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) statement says that Vodafone and Three need to agree to legally-binding commitments, including "certain mobile tariffs to be capped for three years" while "virtual mobile providers will have access to pre-set wholesale prices and contract terms".

So what happens next? Here's what experts are predicting.

What's the latest Vodafone and Three merger news?

Today's statement from the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) marks then end of months of wrangling between Vodafone, Three and the UK watchdog.

Since announcing plans for a huge merger in June 2023, Vodafone and Three have been at loggerheads with the UK's watchdog about whether or not the deal should go through.

But today that process appears to be over, with Vodafone and Three given the green light to merge, based on commitments to investing billions in the UK's 5G network and freeze existing prices on tariffs and data plans for the first few years.

This all follows the CMA's "provisional" declaration a month ago that strongly hinted that it would approve the merger with these stipulations. This is big news for anyone who use mobile networks in the UK – here's what it means...

What are analysts saying about the Vodafone and Three merger?

Opinions are still split on whether or not the Vodafone-Three merger is good news long-term for UK consumers, with the impact likely to hinge on how well the CMA enforces the companies' commitments – but everyone agrees it's a huge shakeup.

"This mega-merger marks one of the most significant moments in the history of UK mobile", according to Kester Mann, Director, Consumer and Connectivity at CCS Insight.

According to Mann, the decision is "the right one" and could be good news for all UK mobile network customers, in the long-term at least. "It should pave the way for more-efficient investments to bring about much-needed improvements to mobile services in the UK".

But not everyone is quite as positive on the impact for consumers. Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: "The two companies are currently close competitors so the merger is likely to reduce competitive pressure in the market which could lead to higher prices and lower quality for consumers, at least in the short term".

Concha added that "the CMA has taken a gamble with the package of remedies it has settled on" and that, for it to work for consumers, "the CMA and Ofcom must rigorously monitor whether the merged company sticks to its commitments and be prepared to act decisively if it does not."

What does the Vodafone and Three merger mean for you?

Right now, EE is the UK's most popular mobile network, according to Confused data, with around 25 million customers. O2 is close behind with 24 million customers, with Vodafone and Three currently behind those big two. This merger catapults the joint company (MergeCo) into becoming the new market leader with 29 million customers.

In the short term, little will change for both existing and future customers. Vodafone says "existing Vodafone and Three contracts will stay the same". And the CMA's stipulations mean both networks will need to "commit to retaining certain existing mobile tariffs and data plans for at least three years, protecting millions of current and future Vodafone / Three customers (including customers on their sub-brands) from short-term price rises in the early years of the network plan".

So whether you're on Vodafone, Three, or one of the so-called Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) providers that piggyback on both networks, you should be protected from any price rises or big contract changes – for the first few years following the merger, at least.

The question is what happens after that – and in his analysis provided to the Business and Trade Committee on the merger last year, Professor Tommasso Valleti (former chief competition economist at the European Commission) said that "the answer is unambiguous" and that these mergers typically see "prices go up by 16%".

This means the longer-term result of the merger on consumers could come down to how successfully Ofcom (the telecoms regulator) and the CMA get Vodafone and Three to stick to those commitments on mobile tariffs, data plans, and wholesale deals for MVNOs.

Either way, the CMA seems confident that the Vodafone-Three merger will be a net positive for the UK's mobile networks. It says the deal would see "a multi-billion-pound commitment to upgrade the merged company’s network across the UK, including the roll-out of 5G".

In theory, the merger shouldn't have a huge effect on existing Vodafone and Three customers in the short-term, due to the CMA's proposed stipulations. But the long-term landscape of the UK's mobile networks will undoubtedly change – and despite Vodafone's proclamations today, customers could ultimately end up footing some of the bill for those much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

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• The best SIM-only deals in November 2024

Whether you’re coming to the end of your existing mobile phone contract or looking for a new provider altogether, finding the right network is crucial to getting the best experience and value for money. 

With over 7 billion active smartphone users in the world, it’s no surprise that nearly 4 million new models are sold every day, and that’s more true than ever with the recent release of the iPhone 16. However, to make the most of its new capabilities and features, you’ll need the solid foundation of an award-winning network*** like Vodafone’s.

Let us tell you five reasons why Vodafone, The Nation’s Network, should be your port of call, especially if you’re a sucker for a good deal. 

1. Get a new phone every year with Vodafone Xchange

With Vodafone Xchange, you can get a new phone every year on one of Vodafone’s 24-month Phone Plans, or a year early if you opt for a longer plan length. There are no early upgrade fees, and if you upgrade to a new airtime and phone plan, you won’t need to pay off your old phone plan when you exchange. 

If you exchange your phone and its value exceeds the phone plan balance, Vodafone will even credit you the difference - and it is the only UK network provider to offer this. 

You can sleep better at night, too, in the knowledge that Vodafone claims to refurbish or resell 97% of exchanged phones and the rest are recycled.

2. The UK’s only Lifetime Service Promise

Vodafone is the only UK network to provide a Lifetime Service Promise. This market-leading device care offering means every new and refurbished phone comes with Battery Refresh and Lifetime Warranty at no extra cost, meaning phones last  longer with Vodafone.

3. Widespread coverage and 5G Ultra

Vodafone has coverage in 99% of UK homes and covers 96% of the UK. Supporting people since 1984, it’s a reliable, award-winning network*** - and with 5G Ultra on the iPhone 16, customers can now enjoy 10x faster speeds than 4G and greater 5G coverage. Truly, Vodafone is The Nation's Network.

4. Save up to £736 and get an instant, guaranteed value with Vodafone’s Trade-in Tool

Not only is Vodafone a great network to buy an Apple device, it’s also the best place to go to unlock the value of your old phone. Customers buying a new phone this September can save up to £736* when they trade in an iPhone 15 Pro Max 1TBs. 

Vodafone’s Trade-in Tool provides new and existing customers with an instant and guaranteed trade-in price before they send their phone off. The value can then be used as a saving against a new Airtime Plan or towards an existing Phone Plan, helping them upgrade more affordably. 

Customers who purchased an iPhone 15 series phone with Vodafone's Buy-Back Price Guarantee before 15th December last year can save up to £786**, which includes a £50 Buy-Back bonus when they trade in their phone and buy a new one. 

5. Spread the cost of a new phone with 0% APR Phone Plans up to 36 months

All of Vodafone’s new and refurbished pay monthly phones are available on 0% APR Phone Plans. Customers can decide how much they want to pay upfront for their new device, as well as choose the length of their device plan – up to 36 months. Plus, customers can also take advantage of flexible upgrades, allowing them to get a new phone as soon as three months into their plan. All of this makes Vodafone the smarter place to buy a new phone.

What’s more, Vodafone has its own VeryMe Rewards loyalty programme, and it’s packed with giveaways, offers and discounts every week. Customers can even gift selected rewards to a friend.

Not only can customers get a new phone every year with Vodafone Xchange, they can enjoy 0% APR phone plans up to 36 months, and instant, guaranteed trade-in savings. And for those customers who want to keep their phones lasting longer, Vodafone offers its market-leading Lifetime Service Promise on its reliable, award-winning network***. With something for every customer, Vodafone is an appealing choice to consumers looking for a new network.

*Pricing subject to change: up to £736 saving on the iPhone 15 Pro Max 1TB.

**Value varies by model, up to £786 (1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max) and the guarantee requires the customer’s phone to be in good working condition.

***Reliable, award-winning network: the UK relies on Vodafone as a network provider as it powers critical national infrastructure and 77% of emergency services, provides coverage in 99% of UK homes, covers 96% of the UK and has won numerous awards. See full details and awards on Vodafone's Network Page.

Remember when data used to cost a small fortune on your mobile phone contract? Those days are clearly gone with some fantastic SIM-only deals happening at the moment. 

One of the best we've seen is this 5GB plan at Smarty for £5 per month. If you’re worried the opening offer is only available for a few months, don’t be. This promotion is available for up to 15 consecutive months as long as you don’t change plans, so you’re all set until nearly the end of 2025 with this offer.

You’re not tied in though, either. If the plan isn’t right for you, you can cancel at any time as this is a rolling monthly contract. Basically, this is as flexible as any SIM-only plan can get. 

If you already own a phone you’re happy with and you just want to add a new SIM plan to it, this is an incredibly cheap way to make it work well for you. The plan was already good value at £6 per month but saving an extra £1 each month sweetens the deal.

Today’s best cheap SIM-only deal

There’s not much point in upgrading if you already own one of the best phones, which is where a SIM-only plan works well. Just pop the SIM in your phone and you’re all set with some super cheap data.

This 5GB plan from Smarty lasts for 15 months providing you set up auto-renew and don’t change to a different plan. However, if you do ever change your mind, you’re not tied in. Just cancel the plan and you’re free to go elsewhere without having to pay extra. 

Sure, 5GB of data is a little on the low side if you’re often away from Wi-Fi, but who truly is nowadays? Even as someone who lives in a somewhat rural area, pretty much every location I go to has Wi-Fi but it’s nice to have a spare few gigabytes of data for those rare times away from it. It’s enough data to browse the internet for about 60 hours or stream 1,000 songs so it’s perfect for those Wi-Fi-free gaps.

If you’re looking for other cheap phone deals, we’ve got them. There are a lot of mobile phone deals around and it’s a smart (get it?) idea to reassess your current plan regularly. That way, you get the best price and sometimes much more data than you previously had.

It’s travel season! Your flight is booked, you’ve packed your luggage—you even remembered the sunscreen. You’re ready to go, but there’s one essential thing you do not want to forget before you jet off into the sunset. A data package from Nomad eSIM is the travel must-have that ensures you stay connected to your favorite apps and people no matter where the wanderlust takes you. Nomad eSIM makes buying regional data connections easy and affordable, freeing you from costly roaming fees. 

Nomad eSIM offers local data connectivity that is ready when you are 

The fear of being disconnected in a strange place or risk racking up an extremely high mobile bill can damper the excitement of traveling. There’s always the option of tracking down and purchasing a local SIM card, but if you often travel or experience jet lag, the last thing you want to do is go on an unguided trek through airport shops. Not to mention the waste of having unusable SIM cards floating around in your luggage after you return home. Even if you do find a local SIM card, you’ve got the hassle of hoping you have a key for your phone to access the SIM card port. It's dreadfully inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Nomad eSIM is an app you can download on your smartphone that allows you to access roaming-free local data in 170 countries, with prices starting at just $0.98/GB—lower than local SIM rates. Conveniently compatible with an array of tablets, laptops, and smartphones—including the latest from iPhone, Samsung, and Google Pixel—Nomad eSIM gives you the ability to purchase only the data you need, when and where you need it. 

A data plan from Nomad eSIM can even be used as a tether or hot spot between multiple devices. It's as easy as purchasing a data plan via the Nomad eSIM app, installing the eSIM via QR Code, and activating the plan when you are ready to start using it. Nomad believes in the power of redundancy. By providing more than 1 local network provider in every country, users always have options to connect in case coverage is bad in different locations.

Nomad eSIM provides data usage tracking tools on both the Nomad app and the Nomad website. Both platforms allow you to manage your eSIMs and check for things like data usage, how much data you have left, and how long until your plan expires. There are no hidden fees with Nomad, either. Your data plan is stopped when your devices reach the limit of available data for that plan.

Nomad eSIM is as affordable as it is convenient 

Roaming fees for data can rack up some serious charges on your phone bill. While some other data companies offer convenient roaming data packages starting at $10 a day, it can still be expensive, with spotty connectivity that just isn’t worth the cost. Nomad offers a more convenient and affordable means of staying connected that doesn’t require you to switch out your phone’s SIM card or pay an exorbitant fee for a lesser connection. Nomad data plans are 20-40% cheaper than the competition and benefit from a partnership with numerous connectivity providers globally. Nomad strives to have more than one local provider in each of the 170 countries to ensure that your connection is always as strong as possible.

Are you really travel-ready without Nomad eSIM? 

We all want to share our adventures and travel photos with friends and family via social media. Data connectivity can also be vital for finding restaurants, shopping, and things to do while in a new location. Nomad eSIM offers day packages, weekly options, and even month-long connectivity packages for data, and you can add on to your plan as you see fit. With Nomad, you can share photos and videos of your trips, make video calls with FaceTime or Facebook Messenger, or even work remotely on your own terms without incurring roaming fees or unforeseen charges. An eSIM from Nomad just may be the most important thing in your travel bag this season.

One of the best SIM-only deals we've spotted today is perfect for anyone seeking plenty of data at an affordable price, which, OK, is pretty much everyone at this point.

Currently, you can get a 150GB plan at Vodafone for £12.50 for the first six months – before it rises to £25 from month seven onwards. The plan is a 24-month contract and offers unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and that all-important 150GB data allowance. 

If you’ve already got a phone you love and just want to add a SIM to it, this is a very good value proposition. It works out as a saving of £75, with the full 24-month contract costing £507, or the equivalent of just over £21 per month. That's reasonably cheaper than similar contracts at a lot of other budget networks.

Today’s best Vodafone SIM-only deal

Buying a new SIM-only contract is rarely the most exciting of things to do but it’s necessary given how dependent we are on our phone. Generally, it works out as better value to buy one of the best phones outright and pairing it was a SIM-only contract, which is why the Vodafone 150GB Red plan is worth signing up for.

With 150GB of data, you should be all set for whatever you have planned. Previously, Three determined that customers use about 30GB of data per month on average so five times as much is perfect. 

It should mean an average of 45 hours of high-quality video streaming with more music listening and a near-never-ending amount of social media time. Crucially, you’ll likely be connected to Wi-Fi from time to time so it’s simply nice to have the backup of so much data.

If you’re in the ‘treat yourself’ mood, Prime Day deals are coming up fast too with some early offers already live. We’ve also tracked down many other mobile phone deals if you want to see what else is around right now

Whether it's wasteful packaging, pollutant materials, or simply poor recycling opportunities, your phone is causing more environmental damage than you think. With anywhere between 1.4 and 1.5 billion phones being sold each year, and between four and five billion SIM cards being produced yearly also, it's no surprise that the mobile industry is currently doing its best roadrunner impression in a bid to catch up with modern environmental standards, but is it enough?

I sat down with Andy Aitken, co-founder, and CEO of Honest Mobile, a UK MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), to delve into just how deep these issues run within the mobile industry, and find out what can be done by network providers, and consumers, to reduce the impact that phones are having on the environment, all to help you find the best ways you can reduce your environmental impact, without sacrificing your phone.  

How does my phone impact the environment?

The problem

Global emissions is probably a term you've heard all too often when it comes to climate change, but what you might not realize is where some of the key offenders lie. “By 2040 14% of global emissions will be from the internet, and most people use the internet on their phone,” Aitken told me, but the problem doesn't just stop there.

You may have noticed that several major phone brands have been taking steps to reduce their impact in recent years. Changed packaging materials, reduced packaging size, and the loss of the all-important charging plug have all been key changes to the experience of buying your shiny new phone. But it's not just your phone itself causing issues; it's what enables you to get the most out of your phone that goes unnoticed. 

Take, for example, your SIM card. Often unnoticed, comparably small, but essentially crucial, this chip, for all its importance to your phone, causes more waste than you can imagine, and many simply get thrown away after they've been use. SIM cards, in the majority of cases, are made of a combination of plastics, metals, and cardboard, and as a result they can be a pain to recycle efficiently. Many SIM cards are simply thrown into landfills which, if they aren't biodegradable SIMs, can leave these SIM cards decomposing for over 400 years. 

How can I reduce my impact on the environment?

Don't worry! All hope isn't lost quite yet, and there are some simple and effective things you can do to massively reduce your phone's impact on the planet, all while not having to give up your shiny new phone. 

Choose e-SIM

What if some of your phone's plastic could simply disappear? Well, now it can. "The shift towards e-SIMs is a great thing for the environment," said Aitken. e-SIMs are slowly becoming more available worldwide, with many major providers now offering e-SIM as an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional cards. However, as Aitken explained, “The challenge is explaining to people that they can have one as much as their phone being compatible."

Choosing to change to e-SIM doesn't have to be a complicated process. As Aitken alluded to, there has been some confusion in the past surrounding not only the availability of e-SIMs from providers, but also the compatibility of e-SIMs with devices; however both of these issues are rapidly disappearing. 

Whether you choose to buy your phone online, or go in-store and speak to a person, choosing an e-SIMs nowadays is as simple as choosing the amount of data you want as part of your airtime package, and the rest of the process is then explained to you. Instead of a SIM card being sent to you in wasteful packaging, you're sent all the details you need to add your e-SIM to your new phone, or if you're upgrading, everything you need to transfer your e-SIM from one phone to another can be explained to you by your provider either online or in-store. 

Don't upgrade

If you've just got your hands on a shiny new phone, I'm sorry, as now you're stuck with it! Don't worry though, as this isn't as bad an idea as you think. When it comes to the impact of new phones, and upgrades, on the environment, there's a simple rule: the less often, the better. Or, as Aitken put it: "The longer someone keeps their phone, the better."

In recent years, the lifespan of the phones being produced has gotten impressively longer. Some of the latest flagship smartphones, such as the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, are now offering seven years of Android updates – for both security and features – and boast specifications which near enough guarantee that the phone will survive that long too. 

This improvement doesn't only stretch to flagship devices, however, as mid-range devices are also seeing spec improvements that can ensure you're able to get the full four years out of the updates available on these phones. While we can't guarantee that mid-range devices will be getting seven years of support any time soon, this seems to be the foundation from which many devices will improve in the future. So, if you're thinking about upgrading anytime soon, ask yourself: do you really need to? And if so, how can you get the most years out of your new phone? The longer you can use your current phone for, the better. 

Keep your phone healthy

Something I've often overlooked when picking up a new phone is just how many ways network providers and phone manufacturers have to help you keep your phone healthy. Whether it's Apple Care or a yearly phone checkup by your provider, there are several inexpensive options you've probably never noticed that can help you keep your phone healthier for longer, and they're going worryingly underused more often than not.

In the UK, Providers such as Vodafone and EE offer yearly checkups on your device to ensure it's healthy, and that it doesn't need any servicing to ensure optimal performance. On a wider scale, most network providers and phone manufacturers now offer some form of device insurance, which covers varying areas of repair and can sometimes offer similar checkup-like services to ensure that everything is okay with your phone. 

By taking out a phone insurance plan, or making use of checkups included in your phone deal, you're not only helping your phone last longer but also reducing the amount of waste you're creating. It's easy to simply throw away a phone and replace it, but it's a massive waste if the majority of the phone was still perfectly okay, so simply replace what you need to, when you need to, and see how much cheaper it is in the long term – and how much less waste you put into the environment as a result. 

What does the future look like?

What are network providers already doing? 

Regarding the current attempts to improve the environmental impact of the mobile industry, it seems the UK is coming up frighteningly short. When discussing the issue, Aitken pointed out the effect that competition is having on prioritizing the environment, explaining that “O2 had a 2025 net zero target before they merged with Virgin, then they merged with Virgin and pushed it back to 2040... If you want to prioritize it I don’t think you need to push it back 15 years.”

The issue, however, doesn't stop there. "We're really trying to steer people towards e-SIMs as much as possible" Aitken explained, but this isn't a focus shared by many networks outside smaller MVNOs such as Honest, and, as Aitken put it, it's becoming more about "showing the industry they can do better" than ever. 

Are we heading in the right direction?

Despite being snail-like in pace, it would seem we're on the right track. When discussing the change in trends, Aitken said: “I think in 10 years' time there won't be many consumers or many businesses that won’t be actively pursuing a more sustainable product when they’re weighing up a choice", which bodes well for the future. 

With the accelerating pace of uptake for e-SIMs, improvements in the number of recyclable accessories and recycled parts being used in phones, and the consensus being that we should all be thinking more carefully about what we're using, it would seem that now is the time to make the switch to a more environmentally friendly mobile experience. 

With phone price hikes now over, now is the time to make use of the best phone deals currently available - so why not check out the O2 Spring Sale? 

Right now, it's offering some of the best ways to save on this year's best phones that we could see for the foreseeable future. You haven't got long though, the O2 Spring Sale is in its final few hours as of writing.

Whether you're looking for a free £200 digital MasterCard with a Google Pixel 7a, or free Google Pixel Buds and a free Fitbit with the Google Pixel 8 Pro, there are some seriously big savings to be made in the last few hours of the O2 Spring Sale. TV lovers should be especially interested, as one phone in particular is giving you the chance to claim a free £500 Sony when you take out your new O2 phone deal. Check out our top deals from the O2 Spring Sale below, and get saving while you still can

Discover the entire O2 Spring Sale

Best O2 Spring Sale deals

O2 Spring Sale FAQs

Getting the best phone deal of 2024 just got a whole lot easier thanks to O2. O2, one of the UK's big four mobile networks have released some impressively high-value mobile deals across devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, all with the aim of enabling you to upgrade more than just your tech with your new O2 phone deal. 

These devices, alongside numerous others, are now available on O2 with a free £150, £200, or even £250 prepaid digital Mastercard, depending on the device you choose, which you can spend across online retailers to level up more than just your mobile phone with your new deal. 

These O2 phone deals are available for the foreseeable future, with offers across Android devices available until the 3rd of April and offers across iPhones available till the 6th of March, so you've got all the time you need to find the perfect deal for you. 

Limited time only O2 phone deals

Today's best O2 phone deals

If none of those offers quite took your fancy, why not check out some of the best O2 deals available today across those devices on a variety of other high-value plans currently available from O2? See the best O2 deals currently available below. 

If you're looking for one of the best smartphone deals available in January, it might be worth looking in the direction of Vodafone. The Vodafone Winter Sale has added a whole raft of new deals to Vodafone's January phone offers and we've found the very best, just for you. 

With the Google Pixel 8 being left behind in 2023, and the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 range just around the corner, there are now, more than ever, some great ways to save on some of the latest, and best phones of the past year. 

Whether you are looking to get six months free on your phone bill, make savings of up to £288, or even just find an even cheaper way to get yourself connected with some of the more basic phones and phone deals, the Vodafone Winter Sale has got options for you. 

Top picks from the Vodafone Winter Sale

Our Vodafone Winter Sale top picks

We've scoured the deals now available in the Vodafone January sale and these are some of our top picks that you can get your hands on right now.

None of these deals quite for you? Or had a better idea spark up from seeing some of these Vodafone deals? Check out today's best mobile phone offers using our comparison tool below. Refine your options with monthly cost, upfront cost, and data filtering, as well as your pick from some of the UK's biggest phone networks. 

Today's best phone deals

Storm Henk isn't the only thing blowing the UK away this week, as the EE Winter Sale is here to give you the chance to get great bargains on some of 2024's best phones. 

If you're looking for the best smartphone deals available right now, you could easily be drawn into looking at a Samsung Galaxy S24 preorder, but, in all honesty, the best option right now could be to look at some of its predecessors. For example, you can save £528 on the Samsung Galaxy S23 or £520 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, flipping amazing, right?!

The deals don't stop there, with opportunities to save over £450 on the recently released Google Pixel 8, or nearly £220 on the iconic iPhone 14, so no matter what phones take your fancy, there are savings for all!

EE is currently the UK's fastest 4G network and has the most widespread high-speed network coverage of any of the big four phone networks (EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three). Whilst their plans can, in comparison, be on the pricier side, they also offer an unrivalled amount of reliability, as well as some high-value options for existing customers to add additional phones, SIM-only plans, broadband, and now even TV to their deal. 

If you're not quite sure where the best smartphone deals are in the EE Winter Sale, we've picked out our top five EE deals you should get your hands on this January while you still can. 

Our top 5 deals from the EE winter sale

If these haven't quite taken your fancy, or they've maybe sparked an even better idea of the phone you want, why not use our comparison tool below to find today's best phone deals across some of the UK's biggest network providers, with options to tailor your data, upfront cost, and monthly fees into the perfect phone deal for you. 

Today's best phone deals

The winter blues may be in full swing now that Christmas sales are over, but that doesn't mean there aren't some great new ways to save on the best smartphone deals in 2024. O2 has kicked the sales season off for UK phone lovers this year with its winter sale, offering discounts of up to £600 on some of 2024's best devices. 

While, for many, it's the time of year when Samsung Galaxy S24 preorders are on their mind, there are some great ways to save if that isn't quite to your fancy. For example, if you're not too fussed about having the absolute latest and greatest phones out there, saving £288 for 150GB of data, unlimited calls and texts on a Samsung Galaxy S23 isn't a bad way to start your year. 

Or if, like me, you prefer an iPhone to get you from day to day, you can also get some great savings with O2. Currently, the iPhone 15 has a whopping £108 off when you get 150GB of data and unlimited calls and texts, meaning you're only paying £50.99 per month for more data than most could ever need!

What's more, as ever with O2, you can choose to go with an O2 Plus Plan. These plans give you exclusive access to not only O2 benefits such as O2 Priority, but also the ability to change your phone every 90 days with O2 Switch Up, and roam in 75 worldwide destinations at no extra cost. 

If you're looking to find the best smartphone deal for you but want some help in finding the very best deals available, here are my top five picks from the O2 Winter Sale that you should pick up right now!

Our Top 5 deals from the O2 Winter Sale

If these aren't quite for you, why not check out some of today's best smartphone deals from some of the UK's biggest mobile networks. Use our comparison tool to find the perfect deal for you with options across providers, data caps, and more, to help you save on a phone you'll love. 

Today's best phone deals

Budget SIM-only network Smarty has just unveiled a new selection of plans this week, with super cheap tariffs starting at just £6 per month for a 5GB data allowance.

Other new plans include 16GB for £8 per month, 40GB for £10 per month, and 150GB for £15 per month, the latter being a particularly good value high-data option. 

These new SIM-only deals join the excellent range of existing tariffs at Smarty, rounding out the overall selection nicely at this great low-cost network. For those not clued up, Smarty operates on the wider Three 5G network, features no annoying long-term contracts, and includes up to 12GB of monthly EU roaming at no extra cost. It's quite simply one of the best options on the market right now if you're looking for a cheap SIM with plenty of data. 

New Smarty SIM only deals this week

• 5GB for £6 per month
• 16GB for £8 per month
• 40GB for £10 per month
• 150GB for £15 per month

Which Smarty plans are the best value?

This will depend entirely on your data requirements each month, but generally speaking, you'll get better bang for the buck with the higher-data options at Smarty. We're particularly a fan of the new 150GB for £15 plan and 200GB for £17 plan as they both offer incredibly generous helpings of data for the money. Another good option (and a crowd favorite) is the Smarty 100GB for £12 plan:

• See more: check out all of today's plans at Smarty

Smarty is definitely a good option right now for cheap SIM only deals. It runs on the wider Three network, which guarantees 99.5% coverage in the UK and ultra-fast 5G data speeds where applicable. With Smarty, you get unlimited tethering included in your plan at no extra cost, and, unlike other networks, also a small amount of EU roaming data - up to 12GB per month.

If you want to read more, you can check out our full Smarty Mobile guide, which includes more information on the network. You can also do a full comparison with many of the other SIM-only deals available right now just below to check out all the other good options on the market currently.

Getting ready to head off to uni in September? The cheap SIM-only network GiffGaff is currently offering a superb promotion exclusively for students that's well worth considering if you're already thinking about those monthly bills.

For a limited time only, GiffGaff is doubling the allowance on its 20GB data plan up to a whopping 40GB while keeping the price at just £10 per month. With no contracts or hidden fees, this is currently one of the cheapest SIM-only deals on the market and an absolute steal if you're eligible.

For those who aren't fully clued up, GiffGaff operates as a sub-carrier on the greater O2 network so 5G coverage is generally excellent nationwide. You'll also get 5GB of international EU roaming data per month and completely free access to over 8,000 Wifi hotspots nationwide - including on the London Underground.

Note that this particular GiffGaff promotion is open to everybody with an ac.uk email address until the 30th of November. If you're not eligible, don't leave just yet - simply scroll down to the bottom of the page to see even more fantastic SIM-only deals from other networks that are open to all.

GiffGaff student SIM only deal

More excellent SIM only deals to consider

The cost of living crisis may be putting a pinch of people's wallets these days, but there's arguably never been a better time to snag a cheap deal on a SIM-only plan. We've spotted three particularly good options this week that offer a healthy amount of data while keeping those monthly prices down.

First up is this 100GB Vodafone tariff at Mobiles.co.uk for just £8 per month - which is quite possibly the cheapest 100GB plan we've ever seen. The catch? You have to get a rebate each month via rebate (it's usually £16), so there's a little bit of paperwork to secure this low price.

For those who prefer a simpler and more flexible tariff, check out Smarty's current 100GB plan for £12 per month. While there are no additional savings to be had here via cashback, the straight-up value and lack of contract make Smart hard to beat for those who value flexibility above all.

Finally, our roundup of this week's best Sim only deals includes a superb 100GB Vodafone tariff from Fonehouse, which is currently going for £11 per month after cashback by redemption. This one is extremely close to the Smarty plan above (Smarty is on the Three network) but trades off that flexibility for a slight discount per month. Our thoughts? It's another strong option depending on your needs, and well worth considering if you would prefer to go for a bigger network. 

Fantastic SIM-only deals to check out this week

The no-frills mobile network Smarty is back with a fresh SIM-only deal that we'd argue is even better value than its previous offering. You can now get a Smarty SIM with 100GB of data for just £12 per month. It's definitely one to snap up if you want a cheap one-month contract with bucketloads of 5G data included.

Considering that Smarty currently offers 30GB of data for £10 a month, it's relatively little to pay to get a considerable amount of extra data each month. It's also the cheapest price available right now for this amount of data among all the low-cost networks, so it's easily one of today's best SIM-only deals. We have spotted that ID Mobile does match it, it's almost double the price at Voxi, while Giffgaff only offers 25GB of data for £2 less each month.

And it's also worth pointing out that Smarty is one of the few UK networks that still includes EU roaming at no extra cost. There is a cap of 12GB per month, but that's a more than reasonable allowance for most users who need to use their data while in Europe.

Today's best Smarty SIM-only deal

How good is this Smarty SIM-only deal?

If lots of 5G data for a low monthly cost is your priority then there's little else out there that can beat this SIM-only deal from Smarty. 100GB is a considerable amount that even the most frequent users would struggle to get through each month - even with lots of HD streaming, large downloads, online gaming, home working and social media use.

It's not a huge issue if you do discover that you need more (or actually want less for an even cheaper monthly bill) as it's just a one-month contract that you can switch up. That's definitely one of the major benefits of going with a no-frills network like Smarty, on top of useful extras such as EU roaming - a feature that's often charged at a premium these days.

Smarty also runs on the Three network, which guarantees 99.5% coverage while outdoors across the UK and a fast 5G connection on compatible smartphones. You also get WiFi-calling and unlimited tethering included at no extra cost. This is particularly useful if you're out and about in a no-signal area or are working where there's no WiFi and need to share your data with your laptop or other devices.

If you want to read more, you can check out our full Smarty Mobile guide, which includes more information on the network. You can also do a full comparison with many of the other SIM-only deals available right now to see how this 100GB for £12 offer is leading the way.

Vodafone has become the first UK mobile phone network to announce that dates for the full shutdown of its 3G network.

The switch-off, which Vodafone has already piloted in Plymouth and Basingstoke, will take place from June. It says this will happen in phases throughout the remainder of 2023, starting with Hull, Oxford and Greater London (in June) before rolling out across the South of England.

After that, Vodafone says that "the remainder of the UK will follow later in the year". All of the UK's big mobile networks have announced that they'll be slowly switching off their 3G networks over the next few years, but Vodafone has become the first to announce the timeline for a full switch-off in 2023.

The network says one of the reasons for its 3G network shutdown is that it'll allow for "faster, more efficient 4G and 5G services", which it says use less energy than 3G. While 3G has been around since 2003, it's now showing its age in terms of speed and reliability.

But what does Vodafone's 3G shutdown mean for you, and will some people now need to upgrade their phones? Here are the five key things you need to know.

1. Vodafone isn't shutting off 2G

If you're on an older Vodafone phone, the slight consolation is that the network isn't shutting off its 2G network. That means you should at least still be able to make calls and send texts, as its 2G apparently covers 99% of the UK population.

But in reality, anyone who's on Vodafone and doesn't have a 4G or 5G phone will likely want to upgrade their handset. 2G doesn't support most modern data services, so unless you're happy to live on Wi-Fi, you'll want to get a phone that supports 4G calling and more.

2. The 3G shutdown should help 4G and 5G speeds

Vodafone claims that switching off its 3G network will give it a "head start on reusing the radio frequencies" for improving the speeds and efficiencies of its 4G and 5G services.

But one factor it doesn't mention is its level of 4G and 5G coverage. Despite claiming elsewhere that its 4G network "covers more than 99% of the UK population", some customers who regularly only receive 3G are concerned that the switch-off could leave them a little stuck in no-mans land.

3. 4G coverage won't be affected, but there could be teething issues

Vodafone says that current 4G coverage isn't affected by its 3G shutdown, so any existing 4G devices – including compatible smartwatches – should theoretically continue to work as normal.

But you may need to brace yourself for a few issues in the immediate aftermath of a switch-off in your area. Vodafone says that "if you’re in one of the areas where 3G has been switched off, you might notice changes to your coverage for a few days afterwards".

4. Vodafone isn't the only UK network shutting down 3G

Vodafone has become the first UK network to confirm a full 3G shutdown before the end of 2023, but it certainly won't be alone for long.

As Ofcom's guide to the 3G shutdown reveals, two of its main rivals – EE and Three – have announced plans to switch off 3G in 2024. EE says it'll be turning off the network in early 2024, while those on Three can expect to see 3G disappear "by the end of 2024".

Lagging behind is O2, which hasn't announced when it'll be following suit. Theoretically, it doesn't have to do so until 2033, which is the official cut-off date for the end of 3G. But the precedent set by Vodafone and others will likely see it make an announcement before then.

5. You don't necessarily need an expensive 4G phone

If you or a relative is worried about being caught out by the 3G shutdown, it's worth knowing that you don't necessarily need to spend big on a future-proofed phone.

Our guide to the best cheap phones contains some bargain options, including the Moto G Fast, and it's possible to go way cheaper than that. Our guides on how to buy a refurbished phone, and how to stay safe buying refurbished smartphones, outlines all of the benefits and pitfalls of going second-hand.

These include using refurbished retailers like Backmarket, and running through a list of checks (like battery life, audio, and cameras) to make sure you've got a good deal. Of course, it's also well worth checking out the best mobile phone deals to see what SIM-free, contract, and SIM-only offers are available on cheaper 4G phones. 

No-frills mobile network Smarty has just dropped one of the best value SIM-only deals available right now. It's a great buy for those who want a good chunk of 5G data for a small monthly cost, as you can now get a Smarty SIM with 60GB data for just £10 on a rolling one-month contract.

What seals this as such a good deal, though, is that it's double the amount of data you'd usually get at this monthly fee from the network. It's also the cheapest price available right now for this amount of data among all the low-cost networks. ID Mobile does match it, but others such as Voxi are £5 more expensive per month, while Giffgaff only offers 20GB of data for the same fee.

As an added bonus, Smarty is also one of the few UK networks that still include EU roaming at no extra cost so you can continue to use your data across Europe. There is a cap of 12GB per month, but this is a more than reasonable allowance for most users.

Today's best SIM-only deal

How good is this Smarty SIM-only deal?

We'd fully recommend this SIM-only deal if you want a cheap and flexible mobile plan that gives you a lot of data. 60GB is more than enough even for the most aggressive users and you would need to make a serious effort to use it all each month even with lots of HD streaming, large downloads, home working and social media use.

If you do discover you need more or actually want less, you can always switch up or down after your first month given all Smarty plans are on a rolling 30-day basis. That's definitely one of the major benefits of going with them, on top of useful extras such as EU roaming - a feature that's often charged at a premium these days.

As for Smarty, it runs on the Three network, which guarantees 99.5% coverage while outdoors across the UK and a fast 5G connection on compatible smartphones. You also get WiFi-calling and unlimited tethering included at no extra cost. This is particularly is useful if you're out and about in a no-signal area or are working where there's no WiFi and need to share your data with your laptop or other devices.

If you want to read more, you can check out our full Smarty Mobile guide, which includes more information on the network. You can also do a full comparison with many of the other SIM-only deals available right now just below to see how good value this 60GB for £10 per month truly is.

Are you looking for a new SIM only mobile phone plan? Or do you want to switch to a more affordable tariff? Then this deal from Three is definitely worth checking out.

At the moment you can get Three's SIM only plan which includes unlimited minutes and texts and 100GB of data for £10 a month. It's a 12-month contract and it comes 5G-ready at no extra cost to you. If you buy this deal now you can also enjoy free first class delivery by Royal Mail.

There aren't any extra upfront costs with this plan and it offers you capabilities to use your phone as a personal hotspot for other devices. It's also part of Three's 'Advanced Plan' range. This means you can also access 'Go Roam' - its roaming service that works in over 70 worldwide destinations.

Another benefit on offer with this 'Advanced Plan' is that you can access its Three+ rewards app, which gives exclusive offers from brands like Cineworld and Uber Eats.

DISCOVER THIS THREE SIM ONLY DEAL

Why choose Three?

Three is one of the UK's biggest mobile phone networks and is a popular choice for millions of smartphone users, thanks chiefly to its affordable tariffs. 

It regularly has some of the cheapest and best SIM only deals on the market and when compared to other major networks, offers plenty of bang for your buck in terms of calls, minutes and rewards. It's also one of the few networks to give unlimited data on its SIM only tariffs. 

While it doesn't offer as much coverage on its 5G network compared to others, it is working to improve this and promises a fast rollout. However, its 4G coverage is excellent and has 99% UK coverage.

What other plans are available with Three?

With Three you can find some great deals which include the latest smartphones from the likes of Apple, Samsung and Google. However, its worth noting that its device range isn't as extensive as other networks, but you do get more opportunities to upgrade to unlimited data tariffs without lumping on sizeable additional costs.

What really sets Three apart is its range of affordable SIM only plans - the majority of which come with unlimited calls and texts.

These plans can start from as little as £8 a month, through to top-end options with unlimited data for around £28 a month. Often Three will also give introductory offers and incentives for you to take on its longer 24-month plans, including half price monthly payments for the first six months.

Three phone deals comparison