This mobile networks guide contains general information about mobile network providers and useful resources to get connected in the UK. Custom numbers are designed to work on any UK network, including on physical SIM, eSIM and virtual setups. Create Numbers helps customers acquire a custom mobile number. MNOs, MVNOs and virtual operators provide the connectivity.
The mobile telecom market in the UK is large. There are 123 million UK mobile subscriptions as of the end of 2025 and £14.5bn retail mobile revenue (Ofcom Communications Market Report 2026).
How UK mobile networks are structured
The UK mobile market is built from three related classes: mobile network operators (MNOs), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and operator sub-brands. MNOs own the radio infrastructure, such as masts, and the main mobile number allocations, and MVNOs and sub-brands sell SIMs and plans that run on an MNO network.
- MNOs own the infrastructure (masts and the radio network) and hold the number allocations. Examples include EE, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three.
- MVNOs rely on an MNO's infrastructure. They sell their own brand of SIM and plan on that network. Examples include Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile and iD Mobile.
- Sub-brands are essentially MVNOs that belong to an MNO. They trade under a separate name on the parent network. Examples include giffgaff (O2), VOXI (Vodafone) and Smarty (Three).
Virtual and digital operators are an alternative to those three classes. They host the number online, so calls and SMS run without a SIM on an MNO, MVNO or sub-brand. gosimless is one example. See Virtual number hosting. A Create Numbers mobile can use any of these routes for connectivity.
Enders Analysis figures cited in the government's 2025 Mobile Market Review call for evidence put MVNOs at about 19% of the UK mobile market by end-2024 (GOV.UK Mobile Market Review). CCS Insight similarly reported MVNOs at 18% of retail connections in 2023 (excluding operator sub-brands such as giffgaff, VOXI and Smarty) (CCS Insight UK MVNO market).
Ofcom does not maintain a statutory public register of every MVNO (providers need not notify Ofcom that they "are an MVNO") (Ofcom FOI response on active MVNOs).
| Layer | Role | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| MNO / radio host | Owns/runs infrastructure | EE, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, Three (brands evolving under market consolidation) |
| Sub-brand | Same group, distinct retail brand | giffgaff (O2), VOXI (Vodafone), Smarty (Three) |
| MVNO | Separate retailer on host capacity | Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile, iD Mobile |
| Virtual host | Number/SMS features without full MNO plan | gosimless (Create Numbers partner) |
Choosing between an MNO or MVNO
Choose an MNO or an MVNO by the job the number has to do. An MNO fits when you want full network features, phone or in-store support, and roaming included in the plan. An MVNO, including a sub-brand such as giffgaff, VOXI or Smarty, fits when the host network already covers you and a simpler, lower monthly price matters more. A Create Numbers mobile can port to either.
| Consideration | Best fit | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Features | MNO | 5G, Wi-Fi calling, eSIM, visual voicemail and extras such as family plans are usually more complete on the network that owns the masts. Check that same list on the MVNO plan before you rely on it. |
| Price | MVNO or sub-brand | Compare the monthly cost for the calls, texts and data you will use. MVNOs and sub-brands usually win on a simple, lower price. An MNO can still cost less once a handset or home bundle is included, so compare the full deal. |
| Local coverage | Either — follow the host | An MVNO uses its host MNO's masts, so local coverage follows that host. Check the host map at home and at work. Ofcom's Mobile Matters 2026 found rural connections met its good-performance threshold 75% of the time, against 82% in urban areas (Ofcom Mobile Matters 2026). |
| International calls | MVNO specialist | Brands such as Lebara and Lyca Mobile price calls to particular countries. Compare the per-minute rate to the countries you call. |
| International coverage | MNO | Service abroad uses partner networks, and MNOs publish the wider partner lists. Check the countries you actually visit. |
| Inclusive roaming | MNO | Compare the country list, the data cap and any daily fee on the current tariff. MNO plans more often include a block of roaming. Many MVNO plans charge extra or cover fewer countries, and these rules change. |
| Customer support | MNO | MNOs offer stores and phone lines. Some MVNOs and sub-brands are app or webchat only — SMARTY has no phone line. Pick a support route you will use when a SIM fails. |
| Business | MNO for several lines | An MNO suits company accounts, itemised bills and a named support path. One business mobile can sit on an MVNO if the price suits and short-code SMS works for banks, WhatsApp and one-time codes. Test that before you print the number. |
Mobile network operators (MNOs)
The UK now has three mobile network operators: VodafoneThree, EE (part of BT Group) and Virgin Media O2. Until Vodafone and Three completed their merger on 31 May 2025, the market had four: Vodafone, O2, EE and Three (Vodafone).
Vodafone and Three still trade as separate brands, with their own plans and customer service. At completion, VodafoneThree said its consumer brands would stay Vodafone, Three, VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile (VodafoneThree). Vodafone has owned the whole company since 30 July 2026 (CMA).
EE has been part of BT Group since BT completed the purchase on 29 January 2016 (BT completion announcement). O2 combined with Virgin Media on 1 June 2021 to form Virgin Media O2, owned jointly by Liberty Global and Telefónica (Virgin Media O2). When you port a Create Numbers mobile, use the brand that will send the bill. That brand handles coverage checks, SIM swaps and account support.
| Network | Consumer brands | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VodafoneThree | Vodafone and Three, sold separately | vodafone.co.uk, three.co.uk | One operator since 31 May 2025. Port to the brand that will bill you. Each brand still runs its own account and SIM swap tools. |
| EE (BT Group) | EE | ee.co.uk | BT Group has owned EE since 29 January 2016. Use EE for mobile coverage, SIM swaps and PAC support. |
| Virgin Media O2 | O2 | o2.co.uk | Virgin Media and O2 combined on 1 June 2021. Mobile service is the O2 brand. A Virgin Media broadband account can use a different login. |
Major MVNOs and sub-brands
Use this table to see who you pay versus whose mast you likely use. CCS Insight's 2024 MVNO analysis named Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile and iD Mobile as the top five MVNOs by customers (about 85% of the MVNO segment in that research) and noted Virgin Media O2 hosting a very large share of MVNO connections, with EE, Vodafone and Three also hosting material virtual volumes (CCS Insight).
Operator sub-brands
| Brand | Host network | Website |
|---|---|---|
| giffgaff | O2 | giffgaff.com |
| VOXI | Vodafone | voxi.co.uk |
| Smarty | Three | smarty.co.uk |
| BT Mobile | EE | bt.com/mobile |
| Plusnet Mobile | EE | plus.net |
| Virgin Mobile | O2 (Virgin Media O2) | Via Virgin Media account channels |
Independent MVNOs
| Brand | Host network | Webite |
|---|---|---|
| Tesco Mobile | O2 | tescomobile.com |
| Sky Mobile | O2 | sky.com/shop/mobile |
| Lebara | Vodafone | lebara.co.uk |
| Lyca Mobile | EE | lycamobile.co.uk |
| iD Mobile | Three | idmobile.co.uk |
| Talkmobile | Vodafone | talkmobile.co.uk |
| Asda Mobile | EE | mobile.asda.com |
| Superdrug Mobile | Three | superdrugmobile.com |
| Honest Mobile | EE | honestmobile.com |
| SPUSU | Three | spusu.co.uk |
| 1pMobile | EE | 1pmobile.com |
PAYG SIM distribution
A pay-as-you-go (PAYG), or pre-paid, SIM is easy to buy in the UK, in most supermarkets, convenience stores, phone shops, and online. A PAYG plan does not need a credit check (Ofcom), and a shop does not ask for identification before it sells an ordinary consumer PAYG SIM.
A pack in a shop is handed over at the till. An online order may ask for a name and address so the SIM can be posted. A pay-monthly contract is different: the network usually runs a credit check before it connects you. You still buy credit, or a bundle, before the SIM will call, text and use data.
Specialist distributors move those SIMs from the networks into retail. Core says it supplies more than 600,000 PAYG SIMs a month to more than 30,000 retailers, and partners with O2, EE, Three, Vodafone, Lebara, Lyca, giffgaff, SMARTY and VOXI (Core).
| Distributor | What it publishes | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Largest UK PAYG SIM sub-distributor. More than 600,000 SIMs a month and more than 30,000 retailers | coregroup.co.uk |
| GK Telecom | Prepaid SIMs since 2004. One of a small group of specialist SIM distributors. More than 100,000 SIMs a month | gktelecom.com |
| M Comm Solutions | SIM distribution since 2013. More than 50,000 SIMs a month | mcommsolutions.co.uk |
| Elite Mobile | Established in 1994. Says it is the largest UK SIM distributor, with 12 million SIMs distributed in 2025 and 56,000 retail partners | elitemobile.com |
| UK Telecom Distribution | Wholesale eSIM and PAYG SIM supplier since 2011. Says it sells more than 100,000 eSIMs and SIMs a month | uktelecomdistribution.co.uk |
| Reach On | PAYG SIMs for Lyca, giffgaff, Vodafone, EE, Three and Vectone, supplied to retailers across the UK | reachon.co.uk |
The networks also sell PAYG SIMs on their own websites and in their own stores. Supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda stock starter packs. Create Numbers can post an optional free PAYG SIM if you want a card to port a custom number onto (Get connected).
Coverage, spectrum and checking your address
Check the coverage map for the brand you will pay. If that brand is an MVNO, use the map for its host: Vodafone, Three, O2 or EE. Ofcom's Mobile Matters 2026 research found urban connections met its good-performance thresholds 82% of the time, against 75% in rural areas (Ofcom Mobile Matters 2026). Average mobile data use reached about 11.8 GB per mobile data user per month in 2025 (Ofcom CMR 2026).
| Network | Coverage checker |
|---|---|
| Vodafone | Vodafone coverage map |
| Three | Three coverage checker |
| O2 | O2 coverage checker |
| EE | EE coverage checker |
Choosing the network provider that's right for you
Run this checklist before you sign with any UK mobile network, including Vodafone, Three, O2, EE, an MVNO or a sub-brand. Confirm coverage where you use the phone, the real monthly price, the contract length, and that the plan can receive the calls and texts you are buying the number for.
Porting and SIM codes you will reuse
Keep Ofcom's Auto-Switch short codes next to your Create Numbers PAC email. Text PAC to 65075 to keep a number when leaving a provider; text STAC to 75075 to leave without keeping it; codes are typically valid 30 days, and gaining providers should complete switches within one working day (Ofcom switching guide). Deep dive: Number porting. Same-network replacements: SIM swap. Installing and moving an eSIM profile: eSIM.
| Code / action | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PAC | 65075 | Keep number when switching |
| STAC | 75075 | Switch without keeping number |
| INFO (where supported) | 85075 | Contract / leaving information SMS |
| Create Numbers PAC | Inbound custom-number go-live |
UK network contact numbers
Call the brand you pay if you cannot text for a PAC, your SIM is lost or barred, or you need account help. Most networks have a short code from their own phone and a second number from any other line.
| Provider | From this network | From any other phone |
|---|---|---|
| EE | 150 | 07953 966 250 |
| O2 | 202 (pay monthly) or 4445 (PAYG) | 0344 809 0202 (pay monthly) or 0344 809 0222 (PAYG) |
| Vodafone | 191 | 0333 304 0191 |
| Three | 333 | 0333 338 1001 (PAC for several numbers: 0333 338 1082) |
| giffgaff | 43431 | Use your giffgaff account |
| Tesco Mobile | 4455 | 0345 301 4455 |
| Sky Mobile | 03300 412 524 | 03300 412 524 |
| BT Mobile | 150 | 0800 800 150 |
| iD Mobile | 7777 | 0333 003 7777 |
| SMARTY | Account, text or webchat | SMARTY has no phone line |
| VOXI | Account or text | 08080 057 451 |
| Lebara | 5588 | 020 7031 0791 |
| Lycamobile | 322 | 020 7132 0322 |
| Asda Mobile | 2732 | 0808 006 2732 |
| Ecotalk | 500 | 0333 800 5500 |
Former Virgin Mobile customers should use O2. Plusnet Mobile has closed.
Virtual hosting and non-SIM paths
A mobile number purchased through Create Numbers can run as a virtual number. That suits many business use cases and reduces cost and complexity, because the number does not need a separate device, mobile plan, or SIM/eSIM. gosimless is one example of a host that keeps calls and SMS on the number and manages them online. See Virtual number hosting for more information. Also, check WhatsApp verification for guidance on how to successfully register your mobile number on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business.
| Path | When to prefer it |
|---|---|
| MNO / MVNO SIM | Everyday dialler + data |
| gosimless virtual | Business WhatsApp / shared SMS inbox |
| Create Numbers PAYG SIM | Simple plastic inbound PAC target |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do MVNOs match the host networks signal?
Outdoor coverage follows the host's masts, so an MVNO on O2 uses O2 radio. The plan can still differ on 5G, Wi-Fi calling and busy-hour speeds, so check the host map and test the SIM indoors at home. Ofcom's Mobile Matters 2026 found rural connections met its good-performance threshold 75% of the time, against 82% in urban areas (Ofcom).
Should I leave Vodafone or Three because they merged?
Stay if the plan still suits you. Vodafone and Three merged on 31 May 2025 and still sell separate plans and support (Vodafone). Switch when your own coverage, price or roaming has got worse. A Create Numbers PAC can move to EE, O2, Vodafone or Three in about one working day once the new network accepts it (Ofcom).
Should I buy a PAYG SIM in a shop or from the network?
Both are the same kind of pre-paid SIM. Shops stock them through distributors such as Core, which publishes more than 600,000 SIMs a month to 30,000 retailers (Core). The network's own site is the better path when you want an eSIM the same day. A PAYG plan does not need a credit check (Ofcom). Read the bundle printed on the pack before you pay.
If indoor signal is poor, should I switch to another MVNO on the same host?
Move to a different host. Two MVNOs on O2 share O2's masts, so a second O2 brand will not fill a building O2 does not reach. Check EE, Vodafone and Three at that postcode, and ask whether the plan includes Wi-Fi calling. Ofcom's Mobile Matters 2026 gap, 75% rural against 82% urban, is about place rather than which shop sold the SIM (Ofcom).
Can I trust an MVNO with bank codes and WhatsApp?
Use it once you have seen a code arrive. Banks and WhatsApp send ordinary SMS, and many MVNOs deliver them, while a few brands are less reliable on short codes than the host network. Send a test to the new SIM before you print the number or close the old line. The steps for a Create Numbers mobile are in WhatsApp verification.
Should I choose PAYG if a credit check might fail?
Yes. Ofcom describes pay as you go as having no credit check, which is why a shop SIM can go live after a top-up (Ofcom). A cheap pay-monthly MVNO can still decline you. Keep the line active afterwards: networks disconnect unused PAYG SIMs after a period that can be as short as 70 days (Ofcom).
Does an MVNO include the same roaming as its host?
Treat roaming as a separate product. An MVNO on EE can charge a daily fee, cap the data, or list fewer countries than EE's own plan, even though UK coverage uses EE masts. Read the country list and fair-use limit on the tariff in front of you. If you travel most months, compare that page with the host's own inclusive-roaming deal before you sign.
My MVNO SIM has failed. Should I visit the host network's store?
Go to the brand on the bill. giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Smarty and other MVNOs replace their own SIMs, and a shop for EE, O2, Vodafone or Three cannot open that account. If you would rather leave, text PAC to 65075. Ofcom expects the new provider to complete a valid switch within one working day (Ofcom).
Should a small business put every phone on one cheap MVNO?
Check each site, text delivery and who controls the account before you standardise. A single low monthly price helps a small team. Several lines, itemised bills and a named support route fit an MNO better. Put each company number on a company account, and test bank and WhatsApp codes on one handset before you order the rest.
Should I leave a PAYG SIM unused after I move to a contract?
Keep using it if you still need the number. Ofcom says providers disconnect inactive PAYG SIMs after a period ranging from about 70 days to six months or more (Ofcom), and O2 uses six months without a chargeable action (O2). A number you ported in, including a Create Numbers mobile, follows that same rule.
Should I sign a long contract before I have tried the network?
Trial the host with a PAYG SIM or a 30-day plan before you take 12 or 24 months, so you can see indoor coverage and whether texts arrive. Ofcom's Mobile Matters 2026 still records rural connections meeting its good-performance threshold 75% of the time, against 82% in urban areas (Ofcom). Port a Create Numbers number onto that SIM with your PAC once it behaves at home and at work.