O2 is one of the UK's four main mobile networks, combining solid nationwide coverage with a well regarded rewards programme and a wide ecosystem of partner services. It also supports more MVNOs than any other UK network.
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O2 is a strong all round choice, particularly if you value customer perks alongside your mobile service. Its Priority programme gives access to early ticket sales, competitions, and partner discounts. Coverage is good across the UK, particularly in urban areas, and O2's 4G network is reliable. 5G rollout is ongoing and competitive. O2 also offers Volt benefits for customers who also have Virgin Media broadband, adding data boosts and roaming perks.
O2 is a full mobile network operator, part of Virgin Media O2. It hosts a large number of MVNOs including giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, and others meaning O2 coverage is accessible at a range of price points. If O2 signal works well in your area but you don't need the Priority perks, an MVNO on O2's network may offer better value.
O2 offers roaming options including a Travel Inclusive Zone on some plans, which allows use in a list of destinations without daily charges. Outside those destinations, or on plans without travel inclusion, standard roaming charges apply. As with all networks, check your specific plan's roaming terms before travelling the included destinations and fair use limits can change.
If you have Virgin Media broadband at home and an eligible O2 Pay Monthly plan, Volt can provide additional benefits including data boosts on your mobile plan and extra roaming perks. The exact benefits depend on your broadband and mobile plan combination check the current Volt offer when comparing.
O2 Priority is one of the more established network rewards programmes in the UK. Through the Priority app, eligible customers get access to presale tickets for concerts and events, prize draws, and partner discounts across food, retail, and entertainment. The value varies depending on how much you use it, but for regular concert goers or people who engage with the partners, it can offset some of the monthly cost.
O2 completed its 3G switch off in 2025. Devices that only support 3G will no longer work for calls or data. Most modern smartphones are unaffected, but if you are using an older or budget handset it is worth checking it supports 4G and VoLTE (4G Calling) before signing up.
O2 has a longer history than many people realise. It started out as Cellnet all the way back in 1985, before BT demerged its mobile business as a separate entity in 2002 under the O2 name. In 2006 it became part of Telefónica, and more recently it merged with Virgin Media to form Virgin Media O2.
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