Which networks piggyback off O2's network?

Contents list 5G networks using O2's infrastructure Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile Giffgaff  Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

O2 is one of the UK’s four main mobile networks, alongside Three, Vodafone and EE, and it’s these four that the other smaller networks (known as MVNOs or Mobile Virtual Network Operators) such as iD Mobile and Lebara rely on for coverage.

Specifically, each small network will be partnered with one of the big four, and share its coverage. And in the case of O2, a few different networks are partnered with it.

So if you want O2’s 5G coverage but don’t want to be on O2 itself, then you have a number of alternative options, which we’ve detailed below.

Or, if you're more interested in another network, check out: Three MVNOs, EE MVNOs or Vodafone MVNOs

5G networks using O2’s infrastructure

Currently there are three networks that both use O2’s infrastructure and offer 5G coverage. You’ll find an overview of each of these below.

Sky Mobile

Sky Mobile is an O2 MVNO which offers both Pay Monthly phone contracts and SIM Only plans.

It supports 5G of course and its plans come with some useful extras, such as the ability to roll over unused data for up to one year, and stream Sky apps without using your data.

On the downside, its SIM Only plans are all 12 months long, so you’re locked in for longer than on some networks. But Sky Mobile does at least let you move between plans whenever you want, and it promises no mid-contract price rises.

The network also offers both 4G Calling and Wi-Fi Calling, along with unlimited data, however in the minuses column roaming costs extra.

Tesco Mobile

Tesco Mobile is another 5G O2 MVNO, and it offers SIM Only, Pay As You Go, and Pay Monthly smartphones.

It also has a selection of contract lengths, with the option of 12 or 24 months on SIM Only, or 12, 18, 24, 30, or 36 months when buying a phone.

So it’s quite customisable, and you can optionally get unlimited data – which comes at a lower price than on most networks.

You can also roam at no extra cost across much of Europe, though this perk is set to end in 2025, and the network offers both 4G Calling and Wi-Fi Calling. 

Giffgaff

Giffgaff is an affordable, simple 5G network using O2’s infrastructure. It offers 30-day and 18-month SIM Only plans, and you can also buy a phone and spread the cost over 24 months.

5G comes as standard, and there’s the option of unlimited data. At the time of writing Giffgaff is also in the process of activating Wi-Fi Calling and 4G Calling on customer accounts.

Plus, you can roam across much of Europe at no extra cost, which is no longer a standard feature of all networks.

Frequently Asked Questions