Mobile & telephone
People choosing a mobile or landline provider want a clear price, a signal that works where they live, and a company that sorts out faults without endless phone queues.
Companies in Mobile & telephone
67 companies
About Mobile & telephone
The Mobile & telephone category covers companies that provide mobile phone contracts, SIM-only plans, broadband and landline services, and the handsets and devices sold alongside them in the United Kingdom. Providers range from the large networks that own their masts and spectrum to virtual operators that buy capacity from those networks and sell under their own brands. Many services are sold directly through online stores, phone sales teams and high street shops, while a growing share reach customers through price comparison sites and retail partners.
The market is shaped by Ofcom, the communications regulator, which sets the rules on pricing transparency, switching, and how providers handle complaints and service faults. Providers that sell to consumers must also belong to an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme, and the Ombudsman Services and CISAS schemes are the bodies that hear unresolved complaints about telecoms companies.
Wholesale access is governed by Openreach and by the terms set for the network infrastructure, which means many retail brands rely on the same underlying infrastructure while competing on price, bundles and customer service. The sector is also influenced by industry groups such as techUK and by the government's ongoing spending on mobile coverage and full-fibre rollout across the country.
Questions about Mobile & telephone
How do I choose a mobile phone provider in the UK?
Start by checking the network coverage for your home, workplace and the places you travel to most, using the provider's own coverage checker and Ofcom's published coverage information. Then compare the contract length, the amount of data included, and whether the price rises during the contract, since Ofcom rules require providers to tell you about any mid-contract price increase in advance.
What should I compare when looking at mobile contracts?
Compare the total monthly cost, the length of the minimum term, the data, call and text allowances, and any fees for going over your allowance. Check whether the contract includes the handset or only the airtime, and what the upfront cost and early termination charges would be if you leave early.
Is a SIM-only deal better than a contract with a phone?
A SIM-only deal suits people who already own a handset that is unlocked or paid off, because it removes the cost of the device from the monthly payments. A contract with a phone spreads the handset cost over the term, so the monthly bill is higher but the device is included, and you should compare the total amount paid over the full contract rather than the monthly figure alone.
Can I keep my number if I switch mobile provider?
Yes, you can keep your mobile number when you switch provider through the Mobile Number Portability process, which must be completed within one working day once you have started it. Your new provider will arrange the switch, and you should not cancel your old contract until the port has been confirmed.
How do I cancel a mobile contract in the UK?
Check your contract for the required notice period and the method of cancellation, which is a written or online request but must be clear in your terms. If you are still within the minimum term, you may have to pay the remaining charges, and you can ask the provider to confirm the final amount in writing before you pay it.
What are my rights when a mobile provider changes my contract price?
Under Ofcom's General Conditions, providers must tell you about a mid-contract price rise at least one month before it takes effect and must state clearly that you have the right to leave without penalty. If the increase is not in line with the contract terms, you can challenge it with the provider and, if needed, escalate the complaint.
What should I do if my phone is faulty or not working as described?
Contact your provider first and explain the fault, giving them a reasonable opportunity to repair or replace the handset or fix the service. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose, so you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund if the fault was present when the phone was supplied.
How do I make a complaint to a mobile provider?
Put your complaint in writing or by the provider's official complaints channel, describe the problem clearly, and state what outcome you want. If the provider does not resolve it within eight weeks, or you are dissatisfied with the final response, you can refer the complaint to an alternative dispute resolution scheme.
Which schemes handle complaints about mobile providers in the UK?
Providers of mobile services must be members of an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme, and the two main ones are the Ombudsman Services and CISAS. These schemes review unresolved complaints and can make binding decisions on the provider, at no cost to you.
Who regulates mobile phone services in the UK?
Ofcom is the regulator for mobile phone networks and services in the UK, and it sets the General Conditions that providers must follow. The Advertising Standards Authority regulates the advertising of mobile deals, and the Financial Conduct Authority is not involved, though the Competition and Markets Authority can act on unfair consumer practices.
What should I look for in reviews of mobile providers?
Look for reviews that describe specific experiences, such as how billing errors, network faults and cancellations were handled, rather than general impressions. Pay attention to whether a provider replies to complaints and whether the same problems appear repeatedly across different reviewers over time.
Do I need to keep track of my data usage on a mobile plan?
Yes, because most plans charge for data used beyond the included allowance, and the charges can be substantial if you do not notice. Many providers offer usage alerts and allowance tracking through their apps or by text message, and you can set spending limits on your account to prevent unexpected charges.
Latest reviews in Mobile & telephone
needed a cheap sim fast
Needed a sim quick because my old contract ended and I was stuck without data. Ordered it online and got the eSIM set up in the evening…
Got my first contract
Got my first contract with them last month and the sign up on the app was dead simple, ID check done in a minute. The SIM came out the next…
better than my last network
Compared with my last network this is far cheaper for the same data, and I'd used the big names for years. The sim swap was simple and it…
Needed a backup line
I needed a second number for the business after my old one got switched off by accident. Setting it up took about ten minutes online and I…
Needed cheap data for uni
I needed a cheap plan for uni that didn't lock me in, so I looked at a few before picking this. The sign up was quick and the data is…
Went with Tecobuy over two others
I'd compared a few options for a new printer and the price here was clearly lower than the two others I looked at. The ink is about the…