6 mobile network providers that offer brilliant benefits

We are often critical of mobile networks and call for them to improve their service to customers, however, many providers are doing well and come closer to meeting the standards we expect, by offering cheap deals, social tariffs, free EU roaming, or other benefits.Don't put up with expensive prices and poor performance from your mobile provider. Read our round up of the  to see which came out on top.

1. Consistently low prices - Smarty

The positive impact of this was reflected in our survey, as 51% of customers rated Smarty excellent value for money. 

The provider received further recognition, aided by its affordable pricing, at this year’s Which? Awards, winning utilities brand of the year 2023.

2. Reliable, fast signal and download speeds - Vodafone

Being unable to make a call or use your internet data when you need to is always frustrating. The most common complaint in our survey of mobile customers was about signal and connection, with 20% experiencing one of the following problems in the past 12 months:

Constantly poor phone signal

Continuous but brief network dropouts

Network outages that have lasted more than a whole day

To avoid this, the ideal mobile network must have a strong, reliable signal that delivers when needed. 

3. Split contracts for phone and airtime - O2

A split contract means your bill is broken down into two charges, one for the device, and the other for the airtime package of calls, texts and data. In contrast, a bundled contract does not distinguish between the payments, so customers can end up still being charged for a phone they have already paid off in full. 

O2 was the first of the big four mobile networks to offer split contracts, when it launched O2 Refresh in 2013. However, while split contracts offer more transparency, customers should still weigh up the fees for airtime and handset repayments, and shop around to ensure they’re getting a good deal.

4. Deals that avoid inflation - Giffgaff

Using a network that doesn’t use inflation-based mid-contract price rises is essential to escaping spiralling mobile bills. 

Many mobile networks have price increases written into their contracts. Most use the December rate of CPI published in January (10.5%), plus 3.9%. O2 uses the January rate of RPI published in February (13.4%), plus 3.9%. The result is prices increasing by over 14%, adding to increases of over 10% last year.

5. Social tariff options that give good value - Voxi

Voxi led the way on social tariffs for mobile providers, offering an excellent package for a low price. Voxi For Now provides unlimited data, calls and texts for £10 a month, with the option to change, pause or cancel at any time. 

You are eligible if you receive a government benefit such as:

Jobseeker’s allowance

Universal Credit

Employment and support allowance

Disability allowance

Personal independence payment

Smarty also offers a social tariff with unlimited data, calls and text, plus free EU roaming (up to 12GB), for £12 a month. This is also a good option for anyone eligible. In contrast to these excellent deals, EE offers a mobile social tariff, with just 5GB of data but also for £12 a month, representing poor value for anyone who is facing financial difficulties. 

Eligible for a mobile social tariff? You can also read our information on .

6. Free EU roaming - Lebara

Many networks have introduced daily or weekly charges to use your data deal while travelling in the EU. Ideally, using your data abroad should be free, with a fair usage limit.

Other networks that offer high amounts of free EU roaming are:

O2 up to 25GB if your UK allowance is 25GB or more

Voxi up to 20GB

BT Mobile  and Talkmobile up to 15GB

If you’re going travelling, read our guide on  to make sure you’re prepared and don’t get hit by unexpected charges.News, deals and stuff the manuals don't tell you. 

source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/mobile-network-providers-with-the-best-benefits-a8ERl6r3S3ZX