MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) are typically cheaper than MNOs (mobile network operators) like Three, EE, Vodafone, and O2. These ‘virtual’ operators – which include the likes of iD Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Lebara, and many more – don’t have their own masts, so they rent access to masts and spectrum from the big four networks above.
You might have assumed then, given their typically lower prices and lack of infrastructure, that these networks wouldn’t perform as well as the big-name ones, and if you did assume that, you’d have been right.
According to a study by Opensignal, the average download speed on MVNOs in the UK between November 1st 2024 and January 29th 2025 was 33.8Mbps. On MNOs it was 39.2Mbps. So the difference isn’t vast, but it could be noticeable. And for what it’s worth MVNOs were also found to be slower in the numerous other countries included in this report, but we’ll focus on the UK here.
Slightly slower for several reason
So why are MVNOs slower? Well, Opensignal suggests it could be a combination of device mix, network prioritization of an MNO’s own subscribers, data speed caps imposed by MVNOs, limited access to network features, or separate network infrastructure used by MVNOs. So there are a lot of factors, and not all of them are inherent limitations of being an MVNO.
Notably, it’s possible MVNO users have less capable phones, as they’re more likely to be price conscious, and so might not invest in the latest high-end handsets. That then could skew the average speeds lower through no fault of the MVNO itself. But plenty of the other factors are potential issues with MVNOs themselves.
Opensignal also found that reliability is lower on MVNOs, but the difference here is even smaller, with the UK’s MVNOs averaging a ‘Reliability Experience’ score of 856 out of 1,000, while MNOs average 866.
So if you’re wondering what the catch is when you see MVNOs charging far lower prices than MNOs, this is it – though more so speed than reliability, since the differences for the latter are smaller.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t choose an MVNO, as for many users these compromises will be worthwhile, but at least now you have a better idea of what you might be in for.
