By Alex Hughes
published
O2 has a host of excellent SIM plans but is it right for you?
Jump to:
- Compare O2 SIM only deals:
- Why choose the O2 network?
- Volt: bundling O2 with Virgin
- How to switch to a O2 SIM:
- What factors should I consider?
For many, O2 SIM only deals will represent the perfect choice for their next phone. It stands as one of the four main networks with a wide range of smaller MVNO SIM only deals making use of its technology, coverage and technology.
With its long-standing history, starting off in 1985, O2 has had plenty of time to perfect its SIM only deals. Right now, it fits in neatly next to Vodafone as a very well-rounded platform.
It's not overly expensive, it has a number of big data SIM plans at affordable price points and finds itself discounted throughout the year. On top of that, to compete with increased competition from Three, Vodafone and EE, O2 has increased its presence in the world of incentives.
Including gifts like free Disney Plus subscriptions, boosts to data, half price promotions and more, O2 SIM only deals are looking the strongest that they have in a long time.
So what are the best prices? How do O2 SIM only deals compare to its competition like Three SIM only deals and Vodafone SIM only deals? We've answered all of these questions below.
Compare O2 SIM only deals:
Why choose the O2 network?
Is O2 a good mobile network?
In a nutshell, yes. O2 is one of the four main networks, meaning it uses its own coverage and speeds and doesn't have to use another company's network.
Outside of that, it has some of the fastest speeds, some pretty affordable prices and a host of benefits including O2 Priorities, free Disney Plus with certain plans and more.
What kind of coverage does O2 get?
It is. Between 3G, 4G and now 5G, it reaches 99% of the UK population, and it powers some household names’ networks such as Tesco Mobile and GiffGaff. You can check the coverage map here (opens in new tab).
However, that is a very similar level of coverage as the other main options - EE, Three and Vodafone. All four networks have pretty much got coverage of the entire country at this point.
What benefits do O2 SIM only deals offer?
O2 offers a number of benefits with its SIM only deals. Firstly, the large majority of its plans offer unlimited calls and texts, although that is now common place.
Secondly, you get free access to O2 Wi-Fi hotspots when you're out and then with selected plans, O2 will throw in free subscriptions to Disney Plus, Deliveroo or other apps.
Finally, one of O2's biggest benefits is its Priority reward scheme. This rewards you with free coffees, gig access and more. The only other network that has a similar benefit is Vodafone with its VeryMe scheme.
Is Three a 5G network and do you have to pay more for it?
Yes, like the other main networks, O2 now offers 5G. In fact, every single one of O2's SIMs comes automatically with 5G so you don't have to pay more to get it.
If you do want to access 5G you do have to have a 5G phone first. This is most of the recently launched phones of a higher price. Think iPhone 12, Google Pixel 5, Samsung Galaxy S21 and more.
Volt: bundling O2 with Virgin
If you need a new broadband plan alongside your phone contract, another option would be the new 'Volt' scheme. This is part of O2 and Virgin's new joint venture, offering a combined bundle (opens in new tab).
By combining the two services, you can get a boost in the data of your O2 plan and increase the speeds of your broadband. Of course, it isn't cheap but that is mostly because you're getting two services in one.
There is a couple of options available, all including broadband, a SIM plan or phone and TV.
How to switch to a O2 SIM:
How do you switch SIM providers?
Firstly, you need to know you're eligible to switch plans. If your contract still has a few months until it ends, you are likely to be charged for the remaining time meaning it is usually best to fully finish your contract first.
Switching and keeping your number:
Once you know when your contract is finishing and you've got your new deal, you need to decide if you want to keep your number. If so, you can request a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) from your old network. This can be done via the phone or through a text.
Then you simply get in touch with O2 and give it your new code.
Switching with a new number:
Don't want to keep your number - it's even easier! Simply get in contact with your new provider and tell them you want a new number and tell your old network your ending your contract.
This can also be done via a text to switch service. Simply text STAC to 75075.
What SIM card size do I need?
SIM cards these days fall into three sizes and these are: Standard, Micro and Nano, descending in size. More on eSIMs below. If you're ordering your SIM only you'll likely find it arrives in a credit card sized piece of plastic out of which can you pop your microchip SIM.
A standard SIM measures 25 x 15mm and was used in phones before 2010 and a few after then.
The Micro SIM stands at 15 x 12 mm and was used in phones from 2010 and you'll still find some phones work with these now.
The Nano SIM, introduced in 2012, measures in at 12.3x 8.8mm and is the most commonly used SIM in phones.
The Combi SIM might be what you get sent by a SIM only provider as it contains all three sizes, and you push out the one that fits your phone. This is ideal as you don't need to know your size prior to this as you can hold it up to the SIM tray and see.
What factors should I consider?
What contract length should I get?
O2 offers three different kind of contracts - 18 months, 12 months or a 30 day SIM. However, the shorter your contract, the more money you will end up paying.
O2 is by no means the cheapest option around for 1-month rolling SIM plans with the likes of Smarty, iD Mobile or Voxi offering much cheaper prices.
O2's best prices come on 18 month contracts if you don't mind committing for a little bit longer. If you use the comparison chart at the top of the page, you can filter by contract length.
How much data, texts and calls do I need?
The large majority of O2 SIM plans come with unlimited calls and texts, and those that don't will offer at least a couple of thousand of each. However, data caps do range drastically.
To decide how much data you need, you can simply think about how much you used on your old contract and try and match that. If this is your first phone, then here's a rough guide:
- 1GB:A limited option that won't be enough for most. If you rarely use the internet and occasionally need to use Google Maps or check the internet, this can be a cheap option.
- 5GB-10GB:This is the range most people will fit into. It allows for pretty intensive usage of social media, Maps and internet searches without fear of running over. While you can do a bit of streaming, don't push it and avoid HD!
- 10GB-50GB:If you like to stream when you're out and about, use maps on a daily basis and generally have a data intensive lifestyle, this will likely be a cap you should be looking in. Keeping under 50GB can keep your costs at a still affordable point.
- 50-100GB:At this point, you're going to have to be a real data drainer for this to be necessary. Downloading apps on the go, HD streaming, big downloads and working from home.
- 100GB-unlimited:Unlimited data plans have significantly come down in price over the years and can even be a legitimate alternative solution to having full broadband if you live somewhere with an excellent 4G/5G connection. However, for most people, it's not going to be necessary.
What sort of price should I expect to pay?
This depends on a wide range of factors: how much data do you need? How long do you want to be tied in? Do you want added extras with your plan?
If you're looking for a low data plan, you should be able to duck your bills below £10 a month. However, if you're looking for a lot of data, maybe even unlimited, you'll be looking at a price in excess of £20 a month.
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Alex Hughes
Alex is a journalist who has written extensively about all things broadband, SIMs and phone contracts, as well as scouring the internet to land you the best prices on the very latest in gadgets and tech. Whether that be with the latest iPhones and Android handsets, breaking down how broadband works or revealing the cheapest SIM plans, he's in the know, and will help you land a bargain.
More about mobile phones
Latest
FAQs
What is the best SIM card to get? ›
| Best SIM only networks | Winner | Highly commended |
|---|---|---|
| Best SIM only Network | BT | Tesco Mobile |
| Best Network for Customer Service | Tesco Mobile | EE |
| Best Network for Data | EE | Vodafone |
| Best Network for Roaming | O2 | giffgaff |
This is because you can also get an O2 signal when you're using a SIM card from giffgaff, Lycamobile, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile or Virgin Mobile. In this article, we'll present a list of mobile networks that offer coverage from O2.
Which SIM cards are best for international students UK? ›- Smarty.
- Plus Net.
- ID Mobile.
- BT Mobile.
- Giff Gaff.
- Tesco Mobile.
- Talk Mobile.
- Sky Mobile.
If you're on Pay Monthly but not on O2 Refresh, or have joined us through a third party, your contract lasts for 1, 12, 18 or 24 months. Find out when your contract ends in My O2. Your estimated remaining charges will include early termination charges.
Which is the No 1 SIM in USA? ›#1 AT&T Prepaid SIM
AT&T's network is not just well known, it's reliable in many areas within the United States, Canada and Mexico which means this temporary phone SIM is a great option for anyone spending time within said borders. AT&T is as well known as Samsung.
Roaming in the USA
Our O2 network will continue to support all types of mobile devices in the UK. But if you're planning to travel to the USA, some phones won't be compatible with USA networks. This is because American mobile phone carriers are upgrading their networks and shutting down their 2G and 3G services.
Still, it isn't the most expensive network out there. But, if you're after the latest iPhone or Samsung phone, you'll probably find more for your money elsewhere. All in all, though, O2 is a great mobile network who offer loads of great packages, plenty of extra perks and benefits and competitive customer service.
Can I put my O2 SIM into a new phone? ›To swap your sim, you'll need to sign in to My O2. Make sure you have your phone with you, as we'll send a security text before we do the swap. If you're an O2 Business customer, please sign in to My O2 Business to swap your sim. Before swapping, you'll need to check that your sim is the correct type.
Do all O2 Sims have roaming? ›We cover roaming in our Europe Zone as part of our tariffs. So your data (subject to roaming limit), minutes and text allowances will work in our Europe Zone, just like they do at home. If your UK monthly data allowance is over 25GB, you'll have a Roaming Limit of 25GB when roaming in our Europe Zone.
Which UK SIM works in America? ›You can roam on a UK-based SIM card.
This is the easiest and most convenient way to use your mobile phone in the USA. You'll have a UK-based phone number (+44) and you'll pay your UK mobile network for your usage.
Can you get a UK SIM card in the US? ›
How to buy a UK SIM card in USA? SIM cards can be bought from various providers. However, these SIM cards often require the payee to sign at least a year-long contract, which is not ideal for people looking to stay less than 30 days or few months.
Which SIM card is best for tourist in UK? ›- Three Prepaid SIM with 12GB Data.
- Orange Prepaid SIM Card with 20GB Data.
- O2 Prepaid SIM Card with 20GB Data.
- Giffgaff Prepaid SIM Card with 20GB Data.
- Cellhire Prepaid SIM Card with 12GB Data.
Unlimited Data Tariffs from O2
Enjoy Unlimited data with our custom plans. Available on phones, tablets, smartwatches, and our sim-only plans.
O2. On O2 Pay As You Go, customers will have their SIM card disconnected after six months of inactivity. You'll also lose your phone number and any unused credit remaining on your account at the time.
Can I cancel My O2 SIM only contract? ›In fact, you can simply order a free Pay As You Go SIM card from any mobile network (you'll then be able to follow the PAC Code or STAC Code process). You can request a standard cancellation by calling O2 customer services on 202.
Which international SIM card is best for USA? ›- T-Mobile Prepaid SIM with Unlimited Data.
- Three Prepaid SIM with 12GB Data.
- AT&T Prepaid SIM Card with 22GB Data.
- Orange Holiday World SIM Card with 10GB Data.
- LycaMobile Prepaid SIM Card with 4GB Data.
Until recently, the US used a network called CDMA while most of the rest of the world uses a cell network called GSM. CDMA phones generally won't work with GSM networks, because CDMA phones don't use SIM cards. Fortunately, AT&T and T-mobile now use GSM.
Which SIM is best for unlimited data USA? ›Traveltomtom recommends a T-Mobile sim card for the USA. It has a very extensive 5G network and for $50 you get unlimited data for 30 days, it is cheaper than AT&T. However, the best USA sim card deals can be found online, see below.
Which network does O2 use in USA? ›AT&T and T-Mobile, the mobile operators which O2 partners with in the USA are updating their networks. The older 2G and 3G networks will be closing to allow them to focus on 4G and 5G. AT&T is planning to switch off their 2G and 3G from 22 February 2022.
How to get international O2? ›How to get O2 Travel. Get O2 Travel by texting TRAVELON to 21300. It can take up to 24 hours for O2 Travel to be applied to your account. If you don't activate O2 Travel, you'll then be charged our standard roaming rates.
Are international calls free on O2? ›
Calling or texting any country (even within our Europe Zone) from the UK, is classed as an international call or text, and will be charged at calling abroad standard rates. You can make calls to international mobiles and landlines from just 1p per minute with our International Bolt On.
Why is my O2 network so bad? ›Your signal might be worse if your battery is low, or if you're due a software update. You won't be able to get signal if your account has been suspended. The closer to a mast you are, the stronger your signal will be. Things like trees and hills will also play a part.
Why is my O2 coverage not good? ›There could be a number of reasons for problems with the network, including planned maintenance, bad weather or vandalism. You can also download and use our My Network app (if you have an iPhone or Android) to check the coverage and tell us about any problems.
How many phones can you have with O2? ›You can have up to six Device Plans on your account at any one time.
What happens to my old phone when I upgrade O2? ›It doesn't matter how long you've had your current phone for, or how long you've got left on your plan. And you won't even have to pay off your current plan – we'll settle it for you. You can turn your old phone into cash with O2 Recycle, or swap it for a new one with O2 Switch Up.
Do I need to activate O2 SIM? ›Activating an O2 SIM card
New Pay Monthly O2 SIMs work right away, so pop it in and you're good to go. If you have an eSIM, then you'll need to scan the QR code in your eSIM pack to activate it. New Pay As You Go customers need to insert their SIM and then top up in order to use it.
These terms do not form part of your O2 Pay Monthly Mobile Agreement. SIM Only Upgrade to Refresh after 3 months (the "Offer") is available to Eligible Customers only.
Will O2 charge me when I'm abroad? ›If you're travelling elsewhere, or you don't have the free O2 Travel Bolt On for those five destinations, you'll be charged our standard roaming rates for calls, texts and data used in your destination. You can top up abroad with your credit or debit card or with O2 vouchers.
What SIM has no roaming charges? ›Lebara: Best roaming SIM only deal for India
However, thanks to Lebara, you won't have to pay extortionate roaming fees while you're on the subcontinent. All of its 30-day and 12-month SIM plans include free roaming in India as standard, as well as in the EU.
If you use WhatsApp while your phone is roaming, data charges might apply. Contact your mobile provider for more information about roaming in other countries. If you don't have an international data plan, we recommend you turn off: Mobile data and data roaming to avoid data roaming charges.
Can I use my US phone in the UK? ›
In fact, if you've got a network unlocked iPhone it will work in the UK. And if you've got a network unlocked Smartphone (eg a Samsung, HTC, Android, Google etc) then it'll probably also work.
Do American phones work with UK Sims? ›Not all phones work with SIM cards from the United Kingdom. Some phones operate on a network called CDMA which will prevent you from being able to use a foreign card. If your phone operates on GSM, then you can use a UK SIM card after you have the phone unlocked. What to know before visiting?
Can I get a SIM card to use in the USA? ›You can buy a sim card in the US, simply picking one up from a store when you land in the US. Here's where to head to¹: Walmart. Walgreens.
How much does it cost to buy SIM in USA? ›| Data | Days of validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited data | 10 | $34 |
| Unlimited data | 15 | $47 |
| Unlimited data | 20 | $54 |
| Unlimited data | 30 | $64 |
If your phone rings (with their SIM card), you have an unlocked GSM device and can purchase a new SIM card.
Can I buy a UK SIM card online? ›Can I buy a UK sim card online? One of the easiest ways to buy a sim card in the UK is online. However, you'll usually need a UK residential address for delivery. In some cases, such as for a pay monthly sim card, a UK address is required for a credit check.
Which is the No 1 SIM network in UK? ›EE: The best mobile network for performance
While Three offers faster 5G performance in some locations, EE remains the UK's fastest mobile network overall.
- Giffgaff: Best PAYG SIM for data-hungry users. ...
- Vodafone: Best PAYG SIM for flexible data. ...
- Voxi: Best no-contract deal for free streaming. ...
- EE: Best PAYG SIM for high-speed connectivity and coverage. ...
- 1pMobile: Best cheap PAYG SIM. ...
- Lyca Mobile: Best PAYG SIM for international calls.
Absolutely. You can order a SIM here. The delivery time will vary depending on the country of shipping, but expect anywhere between 3 to 5 working days within Europe and from 5 working days for the rest of the world.
Is O2 free in us? ›If you have O2 Travel Inclusive Zone included in your tariff, then you'll get unlimited minutes, texts and data roaming in 27 destinations worldwide. These include the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. See here for the full list of O2 Travel Inclusive Zone destinations.
What is the O2 unlimited data limit? ›
Is there a fair usage limit for unlimited data on O2? The fair usage limit on O2's unlimited data SIM card is 650GB per month. If you use more than 650GB of data twice in a six-month period, O2 says they reserve the right to “investigate your usage further” and to “transfer you to a more suitable plan”.
What is O2 monthly device plan? ›At O2, we split your Pay Monthly bill into two parts. Your Device Plan is the cost of your phone or tablet. Your Airtime Plan is the cost of your data, minutes and texts. Once you've paid off your device, we automatically lower your bill – unlike other networks.
What if SIM is not used for 3 months? ›According to TRAI consumer handbook, a sim card is deemed to be deactivated in case of non-usage for over 90 days (about 3 months). The non-usage here means zero incoming or outgoing calls/messages, no data sessions, no use of value-added services, and any related payment.
How many O2 SIMs can I have? ›You can add up to 20 connections to your Multisave Plan*. Your discount will last until you upgrade. *Limited to five O2 Refresh custom plans.
How do 12-month SIM-only contracts work? ›A 12-month contract is an agreement between you and your network provider, whereby you pay a set amount of money each month in exchange for a set allowance of minutes, texts and data. At the end of your contract, you'll have the option to shop around for a better deal.
Do you keep your number with SIM-only contract? ›Can I keep my number on SIM only? If you want to move to a SIM only deal on another network, you can still keep your mobile number. The same process applies whatever kind of plan you choose, from SIM only to pay monthly.
What happens when my SIM-only deal ends? ›Think about sim only and pay as you go
Remember, when your contract ends, it means you've paid off your handset and it belongs to you. This gives you the flexibility to choose a sim only, or pay-as-you-go deal.
- T-Mobile Prepaid SIM with Unlimited Data.
- Three Prepaid SIM with 12GB Data.
- AT&T Prepaid SIM Card with 22GB Data.
- Orange Holiday World SIM Card with 10GB Data.
- LycaMobile Prepaid SIM Card with 4GB Data.
No, not all SIM cards fit all phones. Your phone will have a specific type of SIM card it needs because it will have a SIM tray of a specific size. For example, the Apple iPhone 13 needs a nano SIM, the smallest of all of the SIM cards.
Does it matter which SIM card I use? ›Not all SIM cards are the same. Depending on what country you purchased the SIM card, some of them are locked to the carrier that you bought it from. This means that you can use the SIM card in any phone that is sold by that carrier. You can buy a SIM card from the carrier where you are subscribing to.
How do I choose which SIM card to use? ›
To set default SIM for calling in Android smartphones, tap on the settings options and navigate to Network & Internet or Wireless & Networks. Under the option, open the dual SIM settings of your smartphone. In the menu, you will get the option to select a specific SIM when you make a call.
Which company SIM card is most used in world? ›| Rank | Company | Total subscriptions (in millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China: China Mobile Communications Corporation | 974.04 (September 2022) |
| 2 | India: Bharti Airtel Limited | 496.91 (June 2022) |
| 3 | India Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited | 426 (January 2023) |
| 4 | China: China Telecom Corp., Ltd | 390.48 (OCtober 2022) |
There are three basic sizes of SIM card: the standard, the micro, and the nano. Of the three, the Standard is the original SIM and the largest. Today, these are mainly used on older phones.
Do all SIM cards work in all phones? ›Can You Put Any SIM Card Into an Unlocked Phone? When you have an unlocked phone, you can use any SIM card. Prior to the invention of 4G LTE, networks were split between GSM and CDMA operators. Now, since the introduction of 4G LTE phones, new iPhones and Android devices are compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks.
Does a new SIM card change your phone number? ›If you ever go this route, remember that getting a new temporary SIM card from a different carrier means getting a new plan and new phone number, too.
How do I know if my SIM card is right? ›The easiest way to find out? Install the SIM card in another device and see if it works there. You'll need to test it in an unlocked device, or a device that works with the same cellular carrier as the SIM card you're testing. If the SIM card works, it's probably an issue with your phone rather than the SIM card.
Can I just purchase a SIM card? ›If your phone rings (with their SIM card), you have an unlocked GSM device and can purchase a new SIM card.
Are photos stored on a SIM card? ›Does a SIM card hold pictures? Photos aren't stored on your SIM card, which makes it important to back up your photos if you ever decide to switch your SIM card out. If you have an iPhone, consider saving them to iCloud, or if you have an Android, save them to your SD card.
How do I know which SIM card is best in my area? ›- Tiktik is a free app that finds the best networks in your area.
- It uses data from the TRAI Myspeed app.
- The app is well designed and easy to use.
Other than size, are there any differences between SIMs? Not at all – aside from their dimensions, SIM cards are exactly the same. The only difference is the size of the plastic around the chip, and therefore which phones they'll fit.