Mobile Phones UK: Networks

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UK Mobile Phone Networks

Historically, there have been 4 mobile phone networks operating in the UK. Vodafone and O2 (formerly BT Cellnet) are the oldest and largest, originally operating analogue (1st generation) networks, and these were later joined by Orange and T-Mobile (formerly One 2 One). All of these companies now operate digital (2nd generation) networks. In addition there are now several "virtual" networks that use the T-Mobile network - Virgin Mobile, Value Telecom and Fresh. These virtual networks have different tariffs and charges, but they use the T-Mobile technology.

The first operator to provide 3G (3rd generation) coverage is 3. 3G offers additional data services such as video calling, entertainment and location-based services (local maps, traffic services, etc).

Network coverage

All the 2G networks give reasonable coverage within the UK, but if you live or work in less densely populated areas you could well experience problems with any network. Generally speaking, Vodafone and O2 still seem to provide the best coverage, and T-Mobile lags some way behind. The Orange and T-Mobile signals are often believed to work less well in buildings, because of the higher frequency of their signals (see below). The networks publish maps showing how well they cover the country, but these are of little practical use to users. The best advice is probably to ask friends or colleagues in your local area how they find the signal strength of the various networks.

The Vodafone and O2 networks are GSM (GSM 900), whilst the Orange and T-Mobile networks are GSM 1800. This is a consideration if you wish to use your phone abroad. Different networks in different countries use either GSM 900 or GSM 1800. Generally speaking, if you plan to use your phone abroad, then you should make sure that you buy a dual-band phone (i.e. one that can operate with both GSM 900 and GSM 1800). If you want to use your phone in the US, then you will need to ensure that it is Triband (i.e. that it can operate on GSM 900, GSM 1800 and also with the system used in the US).

Also, be aware that when you buy a phone from Orange or T-Mobile, it is "locked" to the network, so that moving to another network after your one year contract expires is less than straightforward. If you buy a Vodafone or O2 phone, then you can easily move to the other GSM 900 network once your initial 12 month contract has expired.

So far, 3G coverage is limited to cities, the main towns and motorways; 3 use the O2 network as a backup when a 3G signal is unavailable.