United Kingdom

Territory
The United Kingdom consists of the four countries England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This article only refers to the UK (= Britain) and doesn't apply to the Channel Islands (Guernsey, Jersey) and the Isle of Man, which are not part of the UK. They are served by different operators and featured in special articles. They same is true to Gibraltar and the British overseas territories of St. Helena, the Falkland Islands and Ascension Island.

In the coming years the UK is going to leave the European Union (EU). This will lead to changes in roaming fees of UK providers and how continental operators consider roaming in Britain. No deals about the aftermath have been fixed yet. In the meantime UK providers have to obey the same EU regulations for roaming as shown in the European Union chapter.

Operators
The UK has 4 network operators:
 * EE (for Everything Everywhere, by British Telecom)
 * Vodafone
 * O2 (by Telefónica)
 * 3 (= Three by Hutchison)

3 and O2 agreed on a merger in 2014, but this was blocked in 2016 by competition regulators. About 50 MVNOs operate on the networks of EE, Vodafone and O2, but not on 3.

Frequencies
2G/GSM is on 900 and 1800 MHz (except Three which has only 3G and 4G), 3G/UMTS is on 900 and 2100 MHz.

4G/LTE has started in 2013 on all networks. Frequencies on 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands are used. 4G is offered by all networks on prepaid, but only on some MVNOs so far.

Coverage
Coverage is quite good on 2G and more than 90% of population on 3G, but there are still blank spots without any mobile network. So if you go to a remote are on the countryside, better check coverage before.

On 4G/LTE EE has the best nationwide coverage at about 95% of population, followed by Vodafone at 85% and 3 and O2 at around 65%.

In the Eurotunnel coming from France to the UK the only provider is Orange France with 4G/LTE services available 100 metres below sea level. Coverage in the opposite direction of travel is available from different UK operators.

Prepaid SIM cards are anonymous in the UK and unregistered, though some providers may want you to sign up with them. But this is only to link your SIM card to your online account. You don't have to specify any personal details, but your email address and set a password.

Prepaid is usually called "pay as you go" (in short "PAYG") in the UK, although there is usually a distinction between true PAYG incremental charges and prepaid monthly charges such as giffgaff's goodybags. This guide starts with all 4 physical network providers followed by their most significant resellers or MVNOs on the market.

Content Lock
Prepaid SIM cards in the UK are delivered with a so-called "Content Lock" in place. This is to protect children from accessing adult content. The problem is that a white-listing approach is used for this, meaning that everything that has not been actively approved as non-adult will be treated as "adult".

This can seriously interfere with your internet accessibility, e.g. some users could not use their instant messaging services. Even emails and all "unguided" forums like Facebook or Twitter can be affected. However this can be bypassed using a VPN or proxy app/software to conceal your identity

The usual way to disable the content lock is to enter credit card data to prove your age; but this only works with UK-issued credit cards, and as a tourist you probably won't have one of those. Therefore when you buy a new SIM card in store insist that the lock will be removed right away (what takes one minute). For this you may need to provide some form of ID to prove your age, if you look young.

Recharges
Topping-up your UK SIM can be done in three different ways, but only one of them remains accessible to most visitors.

To top-up via an ATM (often known for all UK banks by Lloyds Bank's registered trademark "Cashpoint") is widely accepted, but you need to have an UK-issued credit or debit card. Foreign cards are not accepted.

Unfortunately, the same is true to online top-ups on the websites of the providers. Generally only debit and credit cards given out in Britain are allowed for recharges, but there are sporadic exceptions. This very restrictive policy is supposedly to avoid fraud, but shuts out many customers. As long as you are in the country you can always buy scratch cards or top-up vouchers from vendors that are widely available in shops throughout the UK. These shops are marked by a green top-up sign and normally sell credit for all providers. Minimum top-up amount is usually £5, with a few providers £10.

This leaves visitors with the tricky task, how to refill from abroad while not having this domestic option or a UK-based bank card to keep a SIM card alive or just to add some credit abroad. There are few private online service providers like Top Up UK or through Bitcoins Bitrefill that accept international cards and do it for a surcharge.

Sometimes, it's possible to buy scratch cards on eBay.co.uk. If you don't mind to buy one debit card to top-up another account, you can order a Revolut MasterCard worldwide and use it to recharge all UK SIM cards online. This card is confirmed to work as UK-issued, but currently has a waiting list for subscription. Also you can try to buy UK prepaid gift cards and use them for recharging. As all these procedures are troublesome, think them over, before you leave the UK.

SIM card validity
EE, O2 and 3 have an expiry policy of 6 months, Vodafone of 9 months, since the last balance increase or decrease. It's usually sufficient to receive a call every 6 months, because this generates revenue, albeit small, for the network.

It's a different story with MVNOs: While ASDA mobile gives 9 months' validity, many other providers like Delight, Lycamobile, Lebara and Vectone require a top-up (not activity) every 3 months. This is Lycamobile's policy in most of the countries in which it operates.

If you want to keep your SIM alive for a future visit, remember that you may face problems topping up from abroad and compare validity periods in this survey.

EE (formerly Orange and T-Mobile)
EE (originally called Everything Everywhere) was created in 2010 after the merger of Orange UK and T-Mobile UK to become the largest operator in the UK under the joint ownership of Orange and Telekom. British Telecom (BT) acquired EE in 2015/6. Some old devices show their network still as T-Mobile.

EE's 2G is on 1800 MHz, 3G/UMTS on 2100 MHz with the best coverage in the UK at 98%. They were the first to start 4G/LTE in 2013 on 1800 Mhz and later on 800 and 2600 MHz too: EE coverage map. They have the best 4G coverage reaching 95% of population in 2016. 4G+ or double speed LTE is available in about 20 major cities so far.

Most reviews agree that EE has the best network with the widest coverage and highest speeds in the country. In benchmark tests EE is frequently the top scorer in the UK. This comes at the highest prices on the market.

Availability
EE sells triple-size SIM cards with 4G/LTE included. They call them pack and they are sold for free offline in EE stores: (Store locator) or online to be sent to an UK postal address for free. They don't have any credit, but you can get starters with a first pack included for the price of the pack.

As you need an UK-issued credit card to top-up online, better buy top-up vouchers available all over ther country. To top-up by card, text ETU followed by the voucher PIN to 150. To check your balance, dial 150 or text BA or AL to 150.

If you don’t call, text or top-up for 180 days, you will be disconnected and you’ll lose any credit on your account.

Data feature packs
Their packs all come with a combo of data, domestic voice and text included valid for 30 days: To activate text code to 150, to stop or change packs, go online on your EE account. All packs auto-renew after 30 days, the £1 Data Pack after 7 days. # = the £15 Data Pack is only available to customers who have ordered the promotional data SIM online and existing customers cannot switch to this pack.

If you have used up any of your allowances, you can start a new pack early. Check if you have enough credit and then text 'NOW' to 150. They'll remove your current pack and replace it with a new one.

Still it might be a better idea to add extra data online as an add-on: These add-ons won't expire when the base package runs out, but can be used for the given period. For activation text code to 150.
 * 100 MB for 7 days: £1 - activation: 100 MB WEEK
 * 500 MB for 7 days: £3 - activation: 500 MB WEEK
 * 500 MB for 30 days: £5 - activation: 500 MB
 * 1 GB for 30 days: £7.50 - activation: 1GB
 * 3 GB for 30 days: £15 - activation: 3GB

More info

 * Tethering and VoIP are allowed, peer-to-peer is not
 * APN: everywhere
 * Website: http://ee.co.uk/

Vodafone
Vodafone in the UK has a good coverage on 2G (900 and 1800 MHz) and 3G (900 and 2100 MHz) nationwide and is rolling out 4G/LTE on 800 and 2600 MHz now: Vodafone coverage map. It covers about 85% of population by LTE in 2016 making it the 2nd best LTE network in the country, but their 3G is behind O2's.

Their 4G/LTE network is now accessible for prepaid customers on all plans.

Availability
Purchase a SIM card online to be sent to an UK postal adress or from any Vodafone store for free.

Recharge starting at £5 in their stores or many other kiosks or convenience stores throughout the country. Vodafone accepts PayPal for online top-ups. That's how you can bypass the UK bank card scheme. To check balance, enter *#1345# or dial 2345.

Vodafone has the longest validity of all network operators. They will give you 270 days to show any activity before they'll shut you off.

This SIM needs to be activated by going online or calling 4354. Then you have to choose one of their Big Value Bundle schemes all valid for 30 days, which can be added by Data Freebees for more data.

Big Value Bundles
These combo plans are offered for 30 days: § = £30 bundle includes 100 roaming mins, 100 roaming txts and 500 MB roaming data for 30 days in the EU.

Internet overuse in the UK is charged with £1 per day for 25 MB, up to a maximum of 125 MB per day, then charged at 4p per MB thereafter.

Freebee Data
Vodafone awards data allowances for top-ups. This means it's given out as a bonus and not debited from your top-up amount or allowance:
 * £10 top-up: 500 MB reward
 * £20 top-up: 1 GB reward

Data-only SIM card
You can convert your SIM to a data card too. Thus no calls or texts are possible anymore. These packs are sold valid for 30 days: When used up, you can buy a new pack ahead of time
 * £10: 1 GB
 * £15: 3 GB
 * £20: 10 GB

More info

 * APN: internet
 * Website: http://www.vodafone.co.uk/

O2


O2 UK by Spanish Telefónica has good coverage nationwide using 2G on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G on 900 and 2100 MHz and has started 4G/LTE on 800 MHz only: O2 coverage map.. It has opened all of its prepaid products to 4G/LTE.

It covers about 60% of the population with 4G/LTE in 800 towns in 2016, but has an obligation to reach 97% by the end of 2017. As it only uses the 800 MHz band, it focuses rather on wide coverage than on high speeds. So it gives a rather mixed picture, its 2G for voice and 3G is rather good, while its 4G patchy and slow.

Availability
The SIM cards are for free ordered online to be sent to an UK postal address or bought at their stores and outlets all over the UK. Standard, micro SIMs and nano SIMs are all available online via the O2 website. However, if a nano SIM is needed then you can use online live-chat function to specify the required SIM type to the agent.

Cashcards for top-ups can be found all over the country in any O2 shop or anywhere where you see the green top-up logo. Then call 4444 free from your mobile, enter the number on your receipt and follow the instructions. Top-ups are between £10 and £50. To check balance press *#10#.

Your voucher will expire after 12 months. Validity of the SIM is 180 days from the last activity.

They offer three prepaid product lines with voice, text and data: Classic Pay as you go, Big Bundles and International. Take care that plans come with an horrendous default rate of £3 per MB (except Classic Pay as you go), but shut-off having reached £1 per day. So buy bundles or bolt-ons from the start.
 * Classic Pay as you go: You need to top-up £10 or more per month to get the cheap default rate of 5p per MB or can add Bolt ons (for both see below)

You need to top-up and choose one of the combo bundles (shown below) for 30 days as base plan. This can be added by Bolt ons for extra data. Activation is online on your account or by calling 2202. Take care that you surf outside of these bundles at an excessive default rate of £3 per MB. They feature low IDD call rates. You will get free bonuses for top-ups of £10 or more and can add Bolt ons (for both see below): To select or change plans go online or call 2202. For more data see bolt-ons.
 * Big Bundles
 * International
 * when you top up for £10 or more per month: 100 MB, 3000 O2 texts as bonus
 * when you top up for £15 or more per month: 200 MB, 3000 O2 texts, 3000 O2 mins as bonus

Bolt-ons
These data add-ons for extra data can be added to all prepaid plans with voice and are valid for one month: Bolt-ons don't auto-renew. Activation is online on your account or by calling 2202.
 * 100 MB: £3
 * 500 MB: £6
 * 1 GB: £10
 * 2 GB: £13

Data-only SIM (Tablet plans, iPad plans)
O2 sells prepaid data-only SIMs with no voice that are called Tablet plans or iPad plans. They come in all three sizes and in 3 different starter packs: For topping up these data SIMs the following top-ups are offered:
 * with 3 GB for 30 days: £16
 * with 5 GB for 90 days: £25
 * with 12 GB for 90 days: £48

You are allowed to change plans as often as you like. Data lasts for up to a day or month and renews automatically.

Tethering
Possible on Android phones, but no official profile available for the iPhone.

More information

 * APN : payandgo.o2.co.uk


 * User Name: payandgo


 * Password : password
 * Website: http://www.o2.co.uk/

3 (= Three) UK
3 (Three) is the runner up of all 4 UK providers. While it still has the smallest market share, it gained many customers by the most agressive pricing. 3 is a 3G and 4G network only with very limited voice/text fallback to EE 2G (at former Orange sites) in some low coverage areas.

Coverage can be worse in the countryside compared to the two major providers. 3 coverage map You need to have a 3G phone on 2100 MHz and for 4G a device that can carry 800 and 1800 MHz bands. 2G-only phones simply don't work on Three.

Three has launched 4G/LTE services in 2013. It covers about 60% of population with 4G in 2016 giving Three a lower coverage, but growing fast. Where you can find 3, it offers good speeds at quite low rates. In network tests, it frequently gets higher scores than O2 in spite of lacking 2G.

Their SIM card is given out for free, either online or in their stores. It stays valid for 6 months without any activity. Take care, that they have different products which shoudn't be mixed:
 * Pay-as-you-go SIMs for phones
 * Mobile Broadband plans for tablets and modems

Pay as you go on Three
This product is for smartphones only and doesn't include tethering. They sniff hotspot use by DPI and block it, if detected. For tablets and modems better choose the Mobile Broadband offer instead.

Default rate
Free 150 MB with every top-up. Beyond very low 1p per MB (that's £10 per GB)

Data feature packs
These daily or monthly add-ons are offered to the smartphone PAYG plans:
 * internet daily pass: 120 MB for 24 hours: £0.50
 * mobile internet pass: 500 MB for 30 days: £5
 * all-in-one-10: 1 GB for 30 days at £10 (with 100 domestic mins and 3000 dom. texts)
 * all-in-one-20: 12 GB for 30 days at £20 (with 300 domestic mins and 3000 dom. texts)
 * all-in-one-25: all-you-can-eat data (1 TB fair use applies in the UK) for 30 days at £25 (with 500 domestic mins and 3000 dom. texts)

When data is used up, you are free to buy another pack without waiting until the end of the previously bought add-on pack. After data add-on is used up, charges revert to the £0.01 per MB default rate, if another add on is not bought.

Availability
Purchase from a Three store for £10 which includes £10 credit, also available online to be sent to an UK postal address.

Extra credit can be bought from anywhere displaying the green 'top up' logo. Vouchers are available for £10, £15, £20, £25, £30 and £50 and must be activated within 90 days of purchase online or by calling 444. Credit never expires on Three SIMs, but your SIM plan can be terminated, when there is no activity for more than 180 days.

Mobile Broadband
Their Mobile Broadband prepaid SIM is a data-only SIM with text but no voice calls for tablets, modems or routers. You can use it in smartphones too, to circumvent their tethering restrictions (see below). They are often sold as ready-to-go kits with data volume pre-loaded:
 * SIM card with 3 GB data valid for 3 months: £16

You can top-up online on your My3account with these data packages:
 * SIM card with 12 GB data valid for 12 months: £30
 * pay-per-day: 500 MB for 48 hours: £2.99
 * 1 GB for a month: £10
 * 3 GB for a month: £15
 * 7 GB for a month: £25

Data Reward SIM
In 2016 Three introduced their new "Data Reward SIM" to match the offer of FreedomPop (see below). It's aimed at tablet and modems, but contains voice and texts too. So there seem to be no restrictions where to use it whatsoever. When registered, the "Data Reward SIM" gives 200 MB high-speed data every month for free. This volume doesn't roll over, but can be used on their "Feel at Home" (see below) roaming option too. The cycle depends on the day of activation. The "Data Reward SIM" can be added with these monthly bundles booked through your account: All usage outside of these packages is at very low 1p per MB in the UK and 3.6-4.3p per MB in 'Feel at home countries'. You can register a maximum of 5 Data Reward SIM cards on your name.
 * SIM card with 1 GB valid for 30 days: £10
 * 2 GB: £15
 * 5 GB: £20
 * 10 GB: £25

Feel At Home option
This roaming option is available to all Pay-as-you-go and Mobile Broadband SIMs of Three UK and is valid in Austria, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Macau, New Zealand, Norway. Ireland, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland and in the US (on both AT&T and T-Mobile networks!!). In 2016, they added 24 new destinations: Belgium, Bulgaria, Channel Islands (Jersey & Guernsey), Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia.

This option is enabled automatically when entering one of these countries above with a Three UK SIM on roaming and means that data is charged exactly the same like domestic data in the UK without roaming surcharges. More info about the pros and cons of their roaming offer in the European Union section of this WIKI at Euro3.

Tethering
Tethering is officially banned on any prepaid SIM card of Three. On their "Pay as you go" product, Three verifies if you use it on a smartphone by TTL detection; tablet and modem use is banned, as well as tethering to it. On their "Mobile Broadband" product, tethering is only officially banned, but not blocked. This means that you won't receive a profile to use it for tethering on an iPhone. Tethering from Android devices still works, on roaming too, no matter what Three sales reps. are telling you.

More info

 * APN: three.co.uk
 * Website: http://www.three.co.uk/

giffgaff
Giffgaff is a wholly owned subsidiary of O2 UK, and operates as MVNO on O2 UK (for technical info check O2 above). Since 2015 giffgaff has provided 4G/LTE at no additional cost.

Availability
GiffGaff SIMs can be ordered online sent to an UK address for free with delivery by 1st Class post usually within 2 to 3 days. Or you can be introduced by any member of giffgaff and get £5 free credit on activation. Since June 2016, the member will also receive £5 only for the first 15 referrals in a lifetime. The SIM is dispatched by giffgaff in the same way, not by the member, but giffgaff remembers that you were introduced by another member when you activate the SIM. If you would like to be introduced by an existing member with UK delivery, here are some member links to choose from:


 * member 1


 * member 2

There are also a some members who can send a free SIM card (with the above £5 free credit deal) to an address outside the UK so that you already have your SIM before you travel, if you are able to activate it. In this case, the SIM is not dispatched by giffgaff, but by the member. The member uses some of his £5 credit to fund the international postage, and therefore makes a loss, if you don't subsequently activate the SIM. Here are links for the order pages:


 * GG Sim Orders


 * GG Sim Abroad

Registration
To activate your SIM on their website, you ideally need an UK-issued credit or debit card, otherwise you can credit your account with a top-up voucher. Some people have successfully used non-UK credit and debit cards by entering a fake UK billing address. You can buy credit from many UK convenience stores and almost all supermarkets and petrol stations. Giffgaff or original O2 reload cards will do both. As a last resort you can also buy top-up vouchers online at private facilitators like Top Up UK for a surcharge.

Check your balance by *100#.

Your SIM card stays valid for 6 months after any of these activities has been done: an outgoing call, SMS or MMS, at least 4 incoming calls (of >10 secs), a data connection or a top-up.

Data feature packs
Default rate is 5p per MB. They offer two packages for data-only: All these following bundles come with included UK calls, texts and a data volume, all valid for one month: (*) = all calls amongst giffgaff numbers are free.
 * £5: 500 MB for a month
 * £7.50: 1 GB for a month

(^) = first 6 GB each month at 4G speeds, then throttled at 256 kbps from 8am to midnight.

Check balance in packages by *100*7#. Packages must be activated online through your account.

Tethering
Tethering is allowed on the bundle that has unlimited data included but is limited to 6 GB. It's allowed on the other bundles, and limited to the data plan of each particular bundle.

More infomation

 * APN : giffgaff.com


 * Username : giffgaff


 * Website: http://www.giffgaff.com

Virgin Mobile


Virgin Mobile is a MVNO that operates on the EE network on 2G and 3G only (see above), no 4G/LTE so far.

Availability
Virgin mobile SIMs can be ordered online for free or in shops e.g. the Virgin megastores store locator. SIMs are also sent to hotel adresses in all three sizes.They stay valid for 180 days without any activity.

Default data rate
The "starter tariff" has a data rate of £1 per 100 MB.

Data feature packs
"Big data and texts" rewards (meaning doesn't debit) with: Note: Reward texts and data are applied from the 1st of the calendar month following your top-up and last all month. So you can use it only in the following month of your top-up. Overuse rate is the default data rate (see above). To activate call 789 and press 3
 * for a top up of £10: with 3000 texts and 1 GB of data
 * for a top up of £15: with 3000 texts and 3 GB of data

Tethering
Tethering (at least on Android phones) and VoIP possible, but prohibited.

Further info
If you want to use the Virgin Mobile SIM in a 3G Wifi Router, be aware you'll need to call the company through the SIM you're about to use for data (to activate the Big Data Pack). This may cause problems since routers are not made to call someone. There is no other way to activate the option than calling Virgin through the SIM. You can't activate it via their website or SMS. In this case make sure you have an old phone available to activate the desired option. Virgin prohibits the use of their "Big data and texts" plan other than in smartphones.
 * APN: goto.virginmobile.uk
 * Website: http://store.virginmedia.com/virgin-media-mobile.html

Tesco Mobile
Tesco Mobile is the MVNO of Britains leading retail chain operating on the O2 network. From 2014 Tesco Mobile has allowed all customers on the O2 4G/LTE network. From July 2016 they now offer two different plans:
 * Triple Credit and

Both tariff lines can't be mixed, but switched online or by calling customer support at 282. You will loose all credited allowances when changing plans.
 * the new Rocket Packs.

Availability
Their SIMs can be ordered online or can be bought at Tesco megastores: Tesco store locator for free.

You can top-up with e top-up cards or by voucher from any Tesco store available from £10 to £50. To top-up by voucher, call 4444 for free. Check balance by calling 282.

You need to use your SIM every 180 days to keep it alive.

Triple Credit plan
On the Triple Credit tariff you get free credit when you top-up which can be used on domestic consumption only. For a £10 top-up you get £30 credit, for £15 £45 and for £20 £60 worth of credit, only for the 1st top-up within a month. Furthermore, you can book data-only packages and unlike Rocket Packs combo package.

Default rate is £ 0.10 per MB. They offer these monthly packs for Triple Credit valid for 30 days: For activation, text code to 28948. Overuse is charged at the default rate (see above), all packages auto-renew after 30 days, to stop them from doing so, text STOPDATA to 28948. To check balance in packages, text BALANCE to 2112.

Rocket Packs
Their new combo package plan has been introduced in July 2016. This is a seperate plan or tariff line that can't be mixed with Triple Credit. You can only book these combo packages for 30 days: All call and text allowances are domestic except for the EU roaming promotion (see below). For activation go online or text code to 28948. All packs can be renewed ahead of time. Overuse fee is £0.10 per MB, but no data-only pack can be added. To check balance in packages, text BALANCE to 2112.

More information

 * Tethering is allowed
 * T&Cs don't allow P2P, VoIP, continous streaming and tethering
 * APN: prepay.tesco-mobile.com
 * Username: tescowap
 * Password: password
 * Website: http://www.tescomobile.com/

ASDA Mobile
ASDA Mobile is the MVNO of Tesco's biggest rival as retailer called ASDA. It used to operate on the Vodafone network. In 2014 they migrated to the EE network (see EE above, but no 4G/LTE so far on ASDA mobile), which led to many complaints. Compared with Tesco, it has the better coverage on 3G, but lacks 4G speeds in the cities.

Availability
ASDA Mobile SIM cards can be bought online on their website or in many ASDA supermarkets and grocery stores throughout the UK: store locator for 50p. They stock hybrid mini/micro and nano sizes.

You can top up at any ASDA store or anywhere you see their logo with a top-up voucher. To check your balance, text 'BAL' to 2732.

ASDA Mobile has the longest validity of any MVNO in Britain. You will need to use it within 270 days, but it can be revived by a top-up for up to a year.

Combo and Data Bundles
Default data rate ouside of bundles is 5p per MB. These bundles can be added: All packages are valid for one month and will auto-renew after 30 days. To stop, text "STOP AUTO" to 2732. Overuse and out of bundle fee is at the default rate (see above).

More information

 * Tethering is allowed
 * APN: everywhere
 * Website: http://mobile.asda.com

Lebara mobile
Lebara mobile is one of UK's leading ethno market providers operating on the Vodafone network (see above) on 2G and 3G only, no 4G/LTE.

Availability
The SIM card can be bought online to be send to an UK postal address, from eBay.co.uk or other suppliers delivered worldwide or offline in the UK at stores for free.

They give 50% free credit with your first top-up. Online you may use PayPal for top-ups starting at £5. Offline you can buy scratch cards. To top-up by voucher, enter *#1345* #. To check your balance, type *#1345#.

Lebara has very rigid deactivation rules. Without having used it for 84 days, it will be switched off and your credit and number will be lost.

Default Data Rate
15p per MB is charged, if no data bundle is booked or all data are used up.

Data feature packs
Their data packages are valid for 30 days. For activation text code to 38885: You may only have one data pass active at any time. If you consume all of your data allowance, you will be charged the default rate or can buy an add-on. Data passes auto-renew on expiry. If you don’t have sufficient credit, Lebara will try to auto-renew for seven days or until you cancel auto-renewal. To cancel auto-renew text WEB *STOP to 38885 or opt out via your MyLebara account.
 * 500 MB: £5, activation: 'WEB500'
 * 1 GB: £7.50, activation: 'WEB1GB'
 * 2 GB: £10, activation: 'WEB2GB'
 * 3 GB: £12.50, activation: 'WEB3GB'

Lebara offers so-called "bolt ons" for extra data when the original package is used up: For activation text code to 38885. Be aware, that the bolt-ons are only valid for the rest of running time of the original package.
 * 200 MB: £3, activation: 'B200'
 * 500 MB: £5, activation: 'B500'
 * 1 GB: £7.50, activation: '1GB'

More infomation

 * APN: uk.lebara.mobi
 * Username and password: wap
 * Website: http://www.lebara.co.uk/

Lycamobile
Lycamobile is the main competitor of Lebara on the ethno market. In the UK it's a MVNO on the O2 UK network in 2G and 3G, no 4G/LTE so far.

Availability
The SIM is sold online to be sent to an UK postal address or offline at their stores and outlets for free.

There and in many other stores, you'll find their top-up vouchers. To top-up by voucher, enter *131*#. Check balance by *131#.

Credit expires after 90 days and your SIM card will be suspended after 120 days only without a recharge.

Default Data Rate
9p per MB charged, if no data bundle is booked or used up

Data feature packs
These packages are all valid for 30 days: Lycamobile will automatically renew your bundle once it expires. Charge for the bundle will be deducted from your main balance at the time of auto-renewal of the bundle. To cancel the auto renewal dial *190# before the expiry date and follow the instructions or call customer service for free on 353 before the expiry date. For more data, these bolt-ons are offered, valid for the running time of the base package:
 * 500 MB: £5, activation:*139*5001#
 * 1 GB: £7.50, activation: *139*7001#
 * 2 GB: £10, activation:  *139*1001#
 * 3 GB: £12.50, activation: *139*1201#
 * 6 GB: £25, activation: *139*2501#
 * 200 MB: £3, activation: *139*601#
 * 500 MB: £5, activation: *139*602#
 * 1 GB: £7.50, activation: *139*603#
 * 3 GB: £12, activation: *139*604#
 * 5 GB: £20, activation: *139*605#

Lycamobile offers cheap roaming bundles to be used in certain countries. For more info see Euro5.
 * APN: data.lycamobile.co.uk
 * Username: lmuk (that's lowcase L, not capital I)
 * Password: plus
 * Website: http://www.lycamobile.co.uk/

Vectone Mobile
Vectone Mobile is a MVNO using the EE network on 2G and 3G only, no 4G/LTE so far (see above).

Their SIM can be purchased online or in many supermarkets, petrol stations and kiosks throughout the UK. Mini and micro SIMs are free, but nano SIMs need to be ordered online for £1.

Top-ups are in shops like Tesco and Sainsbury's, petrol stations like Esso and BP, post offices, Payzone and Epay using multifunction voucher. Topping up online, you can use Paysafecards that are sold in many countries. Only online you get data bonuses for recharges: top-up £5 - 1 GB for 7 days, top-up £10 - 3 GB for 15 days and top-up £20 - 10 GB for 30 days.

Check balance by *102#. Credit stays valid for 90 days and the SIM card will be suspended after not having used it for 120 days.

Default data rate

 * 9p per MB. A minimum balance of 50p is required to use data.

Data feature packs
Data pack will be auto-renewed once the validity expires. To opt out, call customer service enter *1122#. Overuse is charged by the default rate. Check allowances in packages by *1252#.

More infomation

 * APN: webuk.mundio.com
 * internet cannot be used with Blackberry phones
 * there are lot of complaints on the internet about Vectone's poor customer service
 * Website: http://www.vectonemobile.co.uk/

Delight Mobile
Another very similiar MVNO from the same group is Delight Mobile operating on EE's good network in 2G and 3G only, no 4G/LTE.

Availability
You can get a Delight Mobile SIM card by ordering a starter pack online or from the many shops showing the Delight Mobile sign. The starter pack is free, but you will need to top-up to start making calls.

To top-up online you may try Paysafecards from abroad. Top-up vouchers can be bought in the UK at Esso or Total petrol stations, Sainsbury's and Spar, supermarkets, Costcutter, WHSmith, PCWorld, Dixons, Wilkinson. To top-up by voucher, enter *191*#. Check balance by *192#.

Data feature packs
Standard rate outside of packs is a very low 1p per MB. These monthly packs are available: To check the remaining bundle units in your internet bundle, dial *1102#. All packages auto-renew, to unsubscribe dial *1103#. If you exceed your units limit, you'll pay default rates. You can renew your bundle only after the end of your bundle validity period.

More information

 * APN: webuk.mundio.com
 * Website: http://www.delightmobile.co.uk

Talkmobile
Talkmobile operates on the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G, but not 4G/LTE. They started as the PAYG brand of Carphone Warehouse, but have been adopted by Vodafone as a subsidiary and are sold independently, mostly online.

Availability
Their PAYG SIM card is available for free when ordered online to be sent to an UK postal address. In a few shops like independent phone stores, on eBay.co.uk or in Argos outlets, you can find their starter for £1 without credit. It comes as triple cut SIM in all three formats.

You can top-up with vouchers sold everywhere where you can spot the UK green top-up sign (see Basics). Online top-ups require a UK credit card, but Talkmobile offers PayPal as a payment system that seems not to be restricted to UK users. Minimum top-up is £5. Credit and SIM last for 180 days without activity. Check balance by *#1345#.

PAYG plans
Talkmobile offers two different tariff plans: Happy Hour and Pay As You Go Rewards. On Happy Hour which is their default plan, data stays on a default rate of 2p per MB forever. On Pay As You go Rewards data is charged at 25p per day up to 25 MB and 10p per MB thereafter. No bundles are offered for prepaid.

More info

 * Tethering is allowed
 * APN (for prepaid): payg.talkmobile.co.uk
 * Website: http://talkmobile.co.uk

FreedomPop
FreedomPop is a new US-based MVNO which started in 2015 on the Three network in 3G only (for coverage see Three). The UK was their first commercial launch outside of the US with their new business model called Freemium. They give out a small amount of data, calls and texts for free in hope that you buy more allowances later. FreedomPop plans to bring its service to other countries within the next years.

Availability
Their SIM card can only be ordered online to be delivered to an UK postal address only. There are plans to sell it in stores, but they have not turned up yet. This makes it inconvenient for travellers, but as an exception we list online-only operators when they give out data for free. The SIM card however is sold for a price: £6.99 for start-up and UK delivery.

They started commercial operations in the UK in September 2015 and need to work on their 250,000 customers on the waiting list. So you can also expect some waiting time.

Every SIM card is linked to a credit or debit card for payment and top-ups. Non-UK issued cards are accepted.

Free allowances
In every month 200 MB data, 200 domestic SMS and 200 domestic minutes are given out for free. Data overuse is charged at 1.5p per MB on the free plan. You can also earn more free data by taking part in third-party offers like filling in a survey or downloading a coupon.

Combo packages for pay
These additional monthly bundles can be added: Extra data as overuse for pay plans is 1p per MB, instead of the 1.5p/MB on the free plan.
 * £8.99: 1 GB data, 1000 domestic texts, 1000 domestic minutes
 * £11.99: 2 GB data, unlimited domestic texts and minutes

You can roll over unused data to the next month for £1.49 per month. A maximum of 500 MB can be rolled over and a maximum of 20 GB can be stored.

Restrictions
Beware of a few catches. You should immediately turn off "auto top-up" on your online account, which is turned on by default. Here is why: All calls are routed via VoIP. This means that you need to have a stable and pretty fast data connection to make calls. This is a service, that Three is not always renowned of and beta testers have been critical of the sound quality. For classical voice telephony you'll pay another £1.49 per month for their "premium voice add-on".
 * They will automatically top-up your account by £10 of credit when you’re within 100 MB of your download allowance. This means you’re only able to use 100 MB without paying anything extra using auto top-up.
 * As payment details are held on record and used automatically for when you incur additional charges, it’s very easy to accidentally run up a bill by surprise. If you’d like to receive a notification when your allowances have been used up, they charge an extra 99p per month for this service.

More info

 * APN: three.co.uk


 * Website: http://uk.freedompop.com

CTExcel
CTExcel is the brand name used by China Telecom for its MVNOs operating outside China. Unlike Chinese SIM cards, there is no censorship on this SIM. While they target Chinese in particular, anyone can sign up for a CTExcel SIM. In the UK, they use the EE network.

As a rarity among EE MVNOs, they allow to use the 4G/LTE network too for a one-time surcharge.

Availability
Their primary way of distributing SIMs is by mail; they can be ordered online to be sent to any UK postal address with an initial top-up required. If you choose to purchase a SIM in this manner, you will receive an e-mailed activation code that you must type into the CTExcel website to activate the SIM once it has arrived.

They also have a network of sales partners that sell their SIMs (list of outlets). Note that some partners also carry their "Europe SIM", which is their product intended for EU roamers; prices are not particularly good for that product, so it won't be mentioned further. They are primarily Chinese supermarkets and travel agencies, with the exception of SIMLocal at Heathrow Terminal 3 Arrivals.

Top-ups can be done at any PayPoint or Payzone-supporting merchant while in the UK, as well as online with any international (not only UK-issued) Visa/MasterCard or PayPal from inside or outside of the UK.

CTExcel practices a 90-day expiry policy. If you don't use your SIM (topping up the SIM doesn't count) for 90 days, it will expire. As it roams in most countries, a roaming SMS at least every 90 days is recommended to keep it active. Alternatively, they offer a keep alive service at £1 per month

They will charge a one-time £2 fee for an LTE-capable SIM, or to upgrade a previous 3G SIM to an LTE SIM. All bundles ordered on that SIM will have LTE as long as the SIM remains valid. The free SIM option does not include LTE.

Data feature packages
Default data rate is 5p per MB. They have three types of bundles, depending on what you need. All stand-alone bundles are valid for 30 days, while add-ons are valid until the end of the base bundle.
 * Super Value combo
 * £7.50: 300 UK minutes, unlimited UK text, 400 MB UK data, text UN75 to 888 to activate
 * £11.90: 500 UK minutes, unlimited UK text, 2 GB UK data, text UN119 to 888 to activate
 * £20: unlimited UK talk/text and 3 GB UK data, text UN20 to 888 to activate


 * Call-Home combo
 * £16.90: 1200 Greater China minutes, 1000 UK minutes, unlimited UK text, 3 GB data, text UN169 to 888 to activate. Greater China is defined as mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

These add-ons can be applied to an existing bundle for extra data; they can't be purchased on their own:
 * Data-only pack
 * £5: 600 MB UK data, text DA5 to 888 to activate
 * £10: 3 GB UK data, text DA10 to 888 to activate
 * £5: 600 MB UK data, text AO5 to 888 to activate (only letter O)
 * £8: 1024 MB UK data text AO10 to 888 to activate (first letter O, then number 0)

More infomation

 * APN: tslpaygnet
 * Website: http://www.ctexcel.com

Mobile by Sainsbury's
The retail chain Sainsbury's has suspended the Mobile by Sainsbury's service in January 2016.

Post Office Mobile
The UK Post Office closed down a shortlived attempt to build a UK mobile phone network service as its offering was unable to compete in the crowded British mobile telecoms market.