Mobile Phone Networks

There are a number of mobile phone networks in the UK. They are split into two main types, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like T-Mobile who have built their own network infrastructure, and smaller Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Virgin Mobile who effectively rent space on one of the the MNOs infrastructures.

Mobile Phone Networks (MNOs)

There are five major Mobile Phone Networks in the UK.

O2 is the largest mobile phone network in the UK with around 18 million customers. O2 has been around since the birth of the mobile phone industry, previously known as BT Cellnet. 2 years ago O2 was bought by the Spanish telecoms giant Telefonic, creating one of the largest telecoms companies in Europe.

O2 is famous for it's long standing sponsorship of the England rugby team and more recently for sponsoring the Millenium Dome's conversion into London's top concert venue - the O2.

In 2007 O2 launched three exciting major new products and services: a home broadband service which is available at a cheaper price if you're an O2 mobile customer; a SIM Only tariff where you get more texts and minutes for your money with no minimum contract term; and the Apple iPhone. In 2008 they also launched their own Mobile Broadband service which let's you access the internet whilst out and about using O2's 3G network.

Vodafone is the worlds' largest mobile phone network and its been at the forefront of the mobile phone industry since they made the very first mobile phone call on 1st of January 1985. Vodafone focuses on providing a very reliable and high performance network, which means they are known for providing great coverage across the country.

Vodafone are normally leaders at introducing new technology, such as 3G and mobile TV. Their new mobile broadband service is advertised as the fastest in the UK, currently running at up to 7.2Mbps (in certain areas) - that's faster than many home broadband connections.

Vodafone Passport is Vodafone's special tariff that let's you use your inclusive minutes whilst abroad, for the cost of a small connection fee. It's available for free for all Vodafone pay monthly customers.

T-Mobile used to be known as One2One and are well known for their FlexT tariffs which allow you to benefit from a flexible allowance that canbe used for minutes or texts each month.

Orange launched in 1994 and quickly became the first true 'brand' in the mobile phone market. Their unique logo, distinctive advertising and focus on customer service quickly grew a large and loyal customer base.

In 2000 they were bought by France Telecom and the Orange brand was quickly rolled out in countries across Europe and Africa, making Orange a world leader in mobile telecommunications.

The Orange SPV smartphone was one of the first devices of it's kind when launched in 2003. The SPV product line continues today, using Microsoft's Smartphone operating system to provide integrated email and personal organisation, internet browsing, music and media capabilities in a range of mobile phones.

Orange like to innovate in other ways too, more recently with their launch of four 'animal' tariffs -Dolphin, Canary, Racoon and Panther - that offer different combinations of minutes, texts and extra benefits tailored for different types of people. They also launched their own Mobile Broadband service earlier this year.

3 launched in 2003 as a latecomer to the market, who aimed to capitalise on the introduction of 3G technology to steal a march on the fast maturing mobile phone market. Their first few years have seen them launch a well known brand that suffered a little from early customer service disappointments and an over reliance on acquiring customers through aggressive deals rather than innovative 3G based services.

In the last 18 months 3 has turned this around providing much improved customer services, launching innovative products such as the Skypephone, good value data tariffs and services like Slingbox which let's you control your Sky+ from your phone. Most recently they have taken a leading position in the new Mobile Broadband market. They've innovated again by introducing the first Pay as you go Mobile Broadband tariff, ideal if you want to test the service for a little while or only need Mobile Broadband whilst visiting your parents or away for a week in the UK.

Virtual Mobile Networks (MVNOs)

Virtual Mobile Networks are mobile phone service providers who operate using the network of one of the big five Mobile Phone networks.

Virgin Mobile is another Richard Branson venture, now part of the Virgin Media group that includes the former NTL Telewest cable TV, phone and broadband group. Virgin Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network.

Blyk are the first mobile phone network to offer free line rental, minutes and texts as long as you sign up to receive adverts through text or video messages. You're only allowed to join if you're aged 16-24 however.