Tesco Mobile SIM Only Deals

Tesco Mobile consistently tops customer satisfaction surveys, ranking highest in the UK Customer Satisfaction Index. And at the 2024 Uswitch Telecoms Awards, they scooped up the titles of Network of the Year, Best Network for Customer Service (for the third year running!), and Best Handset Contract Network.

But it is not just about the trophies. Tesco Mobile is dedicated to providing outstanding value to its customers, with a wide range of SIM-only deals to suit every budget and need. Plus, with their commitment to customer service, you can be sure you are in good hands. Thousands of customers have given Tesco Mobile glowing reviews on Trustpilot, praising their helpful and knowledgeable staff.

If you want peace of mind by switching to an established and well-regarded mobile provider, Tesco Mobile is a sound choice. They offer award-winning service, great value deals, and a commitment to putting customers first.

Tesco Mobile has come a long way since its beginnings! In May 2003, Tesco Mobile was established as a joint venture between Tesco and O2. This made it a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), meaning it does not own its own network infrastructure but instead uses O2's. It launched focusing on pre-pay services, offering simple and affordable mobile options to Tesco shoppers. This aligned with Tesco's overall value-driven brand.

In 2007, Tesco Mobile expanded to Ireland, partnering with O2 Ireland (now Three Ireland). In 2014, the network started offering 4G services at no extra cost to its customers, a move that helped attract more users. By 2017, Tesco Mobile had reached 5 million customers in the UK, solidifying its position as the biggest MVNO in the country.

Tesco Mobile has continued to grow and win awards for its customer service and value. For several years, it has been named the "least complained about" network in Ofcom reports. In 2023, Tesco and Virgin Media O2 extended their joint venture agreement, ensuring Tesco Mobile will continue to operate on the O2 network for another 10 years.

Tesco Mobile uses the O2 network in the UK. This means Tesco Mobile customers get to enjoy:

• Excellent coverage: O2 has 99% 4G coverage across the UK, and their 5G network is expanding rapidly.
• Reliable service: O2 is known for its reliable network performance.
• Rural connectivity: O2 often provides better connectivity in hard-to-reach rural areas than other networks.

With Tesco Mobile's unlimited data SIM-only deals, you can embrace the freedom of the internet. Stream your favourite shows in HD, enjoy video calls with loved ones, download music and podcasts, and explore the online world to your heart's content—all without ever worrying about exceeding your allowance.

• 24-Month Contract: This option offers the lowest monthly price (£25) but requires a longer commitment.
• 12-Month Contract: This provides more flexibility with a shorter contract length, but comes with a slightly higher monthly cost (£30).

However, their unlimited data deal is subject to their Fair Usage Policy. What is the Fair Usage Policy all about? It ensures everyone uses the Tesco Mobile network responsibly and does not unfairly impact other users. Here are some of the things that might be considered a breach of the policy:

• You use your phone for commercial purposes, like telemarketing or running a call centre.
• Tethering excessively: While you can tether other devices to your phone, excessive use that strains the network might be flagged.
• Using a SIM box: These devices allow you to use multiple SIM cards simultaneously, which can overload the network.
• They are making automated calls or sending automated messages.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider how long you want to commit to a contract and how much you will pay monthly.

Tesco Mobile offers roaming in over 100 countries worldwide. However, how you use it and its costs will depend on where you go.

Home From Home Destinations (includes EU):

• Good news: Until 2026, Tesco Mobile offers free roaming in their "Home From Home" destinations, which includes all EU countries.
• Use your UK allowance: This means you can use your UK minutes, texts, and data just like you would at home, without any extra charges.
• Check the list: Before you travel, make sure your destination is on the "Home From Home" list. You can find it on the Tesco Mobile website.

Other Destinations:

• Charges apply: Outside of the "Home From Home" destinations, you will be charged for calls, texts, and data.
• Check the rates: Before you go, it is important to check the roaming rates for your specific destination, as they can vary significantly. You can find this information on the Tesco Mobile website or app.
• Consider add-ons: Tesco Mobile may offer roaming add-ons or bundles that can help you save money if you travel to a destination with high roaming charges.

Tesco Mobile launched its 5G service in March 2020, and it has been expanding rapidly ever since. They use O2's network infrastructure, so wherever O2 has 5G, Tesco Mobile does too. To use 5G, you will need:

• A 5G-ready phone: Make sure your phone supports 5G connectivity. Most newer smartphones, like the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models, are 5G-compatible.
• A 5G SIM: You will need a 5G SIM card to access the 5G network.
• 5G coverage in your area: Tesco Mobile's 5G coverage is expanding constantly, but it is not available everywhere yet. You can check if 5G is available in your area using the Tesco Mobile coverage checker on their website.

For pay-monthly SIM-only contracts, Tesco Mobile performs credit checks. This is standard practice for most mobile providers offering contracts. They want to make sure you are likely to make your monthly payments.

However, if you have a poor credit rating, you should choose a pay-as-you-go SIM from Tesco Mobile. Since you will be paying upfront for your usage, there is no risk for Tesco Mobile, so a bad credit rating will not be an issue. This can also be a good option if you want to build a positive payment history with Tesco Mobile. This will help increase your chance of being approved for a contract in the future.

With Tesco Mobile, you don't have to worry about getting the right size SIM card for your phone! They provide a Tri-SIM, which cleverly includes all three sizes in one. This "one-size-fits-all" approach makes things super convenient, especially if you upgrade your phone in the future. You can keep the same SIM card and pop out a different size if needed.

Good news! Keeping your mobile phone number is easy when switching to a Tesco Mobile SIM-only deal. Just grab your PAC code from your old provider and enter it when you sign up. If you are already a Tesco Mobile customer switching to a SIM-Only deal, simply select 'Existing customer' online and follow the steps provided to switch over without losing your number.

To switch, text "PAC" to 65075, and you will be given a code to unlock your number. Once your new SIM arrives, text "PORT" to 23424 and voilà – your number will magically transfer over! On the day your number transfers to Tesco Mobile, you might experience a temporary loss of service, usually by 6 pm at the latest. Just restart your phone quickly and make sure you are connected to the Tesco Mobile network.

You can read more about keeping your number here. 

Tesco Mobile generally has good coverage across the UK! Here is why:

• Powered by O2: Tesco Mobile uses the O2 network, which has 99% 4G coverage across the UK. This means you are likely to get a strong signal in most places.
• 5G expansion: Tesco Mobile also offers 5G in a growing number of locations, and coverage is expanding constantly.
• Rural areas: O2 often provides better coverage compared to other networks, which is good news for Tesco Mobile customers living outside of major towns and cities.

However, it is important to remember that coverage can vary depending on location. Factors like terrain, buildings, and local network congestion can all affect signal strength.

Tesco Mobile offers both 4G and 5G. 5G is significantly faster than 4G, with average download speeds around 100-200Mbps (and potential for much higher). 4G speeds are typically around 15-40Mbps.

Tesco Mobile is generally considered a reliable mobile network, especially regarding customer service. Here is why:

Strong performance in reliability reports:

• Ofcom: In Ofcom's latest reliability report, Tesco Mobile was among the top performers regarding overall satisfaction with network reliability.
• Which?: Consumer champion Which? also regularly surveys customers about their mobile networks, and Tesco Mobile consistently scores well for reliability.

Tesco Mobile has a solid reputation for good customer service! Here is what supports that:

High rankings in surveys:

• UK Customer Satisfaction Index: Tesco Mobile consistently ranks highly, often topping the list for mobile providers.
• Which?: They regularly receive high customer satisfaction scores in Which? surveys, particularly for their helpfulness and ease of contact.
• Ofcom: According to Ofcom, they have the lowest complaint rate of any major mobile provider.
• Award-winning service: They have won awards for their customer service, including "Best Network for Customer Service" at the Uswitch Telecoms Awards for three years.
• Positive customer reviews: You will find generally positive reviews on sites like Trustpilot, with customers praising their helpful and knowledgeable staff.

With SIM Only Finder, you are in control. Compare Tesco Mobile SIM only deals alongside other top providers, filter by data, price, and contract length, and find the perfect match in minutes. We simplify the search so you can get connected with a plan that is truly yours.

Currently Tesco Mobile do not offer eSIMs, you can compare all networks that do offer eSIMs here.

Currently Tesco Mobile require you to pass a credit check in order to get a SIM Only deal, you can compare all networks that do offer No Credit Check SIM Only Deals here.