MVNO's

clewsy · 11-10-2015, 11:05

I knoebwe talk about them a lot these days, but looking around the internet there isn't that much talk about them.

Are Tesco the the only one that offers 4g? The lack of 4g does appear to be a big thing that your giving up when you join one of these, so hardly a great advert that they will offer competition following any network consolation.

I'm a Tesco Mobile customer, have been for years. Can't fault the customer service or the value of the packages they offer. It would be interesting to hear other people's experiences of the MNVO's as reviews online don't seem all that positive.

Out of interest who is the largest MNVO in the UK these days and how does that compare to the main networks on customer numbers?

mrMick · 11-10-2015, 11:11

BT Mobile are an EE MVNO that offer 4G. Giffgaff is an O2 MVNO that offers 4G. I can't think of any others off the top of my head, but i'm sure others will fill in the gaps

clewsy · 11-10-2015, 11:52

Oh yes forgot about those two. Giff Gaff is basically o2 and I guess BT will soon be a network on its own as well.

swb1964 · 11-10-2015, 14:31

I was with Tesco for years and they are very good. But unlike Sainsbury ASDA and Giff Gaff they dont offer pay as you go bundles.

clewsy · 11-10-2015, 17:19

I've never noticed before as out it down to o2's 3g coverage however even on 4g streaming tv via the apps keeps stopping and starting - so assuming it's something that Tesco mobile must stop.

SkipTracer · 11-10-2015, 17:26

I’m running a couple of sims on the Post Office network, EE MVNO with no 4G as yet but I get 18 Mb down and 4 up on 3G so no big problem for 250 minutes, 3000 texts and 512Mb per month for a fiver.

mupet0000 · 11-10-2015, 17:52

Post Office mobile seems like it has the best deals tbh. 2GB of data for £10pm on payg is pretty good. 2GB on PAYG from O2/Voda would cost double that!!

clewsy · 13-10-2015, 22:17

Well appears in one post that Sainsburys mobile could be closing down. If so, then that isn't good as just shows how they are not the answer to competition in the market place, when they are at the mercy of the main networks.

Redcoat · 14-10-2015, 15:23

Lycamobile have 4G data available via O2.

SkipTracer · 14-10-2015, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

Well appears in one post that Sainsburys mobile could be closing down. If so, then that isn't good as just shows how they are not the answer to competition in the market place, when they are at the mercy of the main networks.

Confirmed with an announcement on 40775 Sainsbury mobile help line from your mobile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcoat

Lycamobile have 4G data available via O2.

12p pm to landlines, 19p pm to mobiles, 19p per SMS and 9p per Mb, no thanks.

d123 · 14-10-2015, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipTracer

Confirmed with an announcement on 40775 Sainsbury mobile help line from your mobile.

It's also on their website.

Quote:

Important news for our Mobile by Sainsbury's customers

We’re sorry to let you know that from 15th January 2016, the Mobile by Sainsbury’s phone service will no longer be available.

We’ve loved having you as a customer, and we know that changing your service provider can be a hassle. So, we want to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Firstly, we’re telling you now so that you have plenty of time to decide what to do.
If you are a Pay As You Go customer, you are still able to top up until 14th November, in store and online. You can continue to use any remaining credit until 15th January 2016.
If you are a Pay Monthly SIM Only customer, your service will continue to work as normal until 15th January 2016.

http://www.phoneshopbysainsburys.co.uk/mbs

Redcoat · 14-10-2015, 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipTracer

12p pm to landlines, 19p pm to mobiles, 19p per SMS and 9p per Mb, no thanks.

If you're just a casual user, then yes Lycamobile isn't a great deal. I was just pointing out the OP's question about MVNOs that do 4G.

clewsy · 14-10-2015, 21:33

Does that have no connection at all to o2, other than being a wholesale customer of them?

d123 · 14-10-2015, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

Does that have no connection at all to o2, other than being a wholesale customer of them?

Lyca Mobile has no connection to o2 other than being an MVNO. They are part of the Lyca group.

binary · 15-10-2015, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

Well appears in one post that Sainsburys mobile could be closing down. If so, then that isn't good as just shows how they are not the answer to competition in the market place, when they are at the mercy of the main networks.

Though, with the potential mergers on the horizon - BT & EE, and Hutchison and O2 (though this is more complicated in my opinion) - then there could be regulatory solutions that guarantee the position of MVNOs on those networks. Indeed, I think I'm right in saying that a condition for the EE merger was the guarantee that Virgin would continue to have access to the network.

Of course, Vodafone isn't part of the great game of mergers, so it might not have any obligation to play nice to MVNOs.

d123 · 15-10-2015, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by binary

Though, with the potential mergers on the horizon - BT & EE, and Hutchison and O2 (though this is more complicated in my opinion) - then there could be regulatory solutions that guarantee the position of MVNOs on those networks. Indeed, I think I'm right in saying that a condition for the EE merger was the guarantee that Virgin would continue to have access to the network.

The BT/EE deal is not a merger (and technically neither is the CKH purchase of o2) .

binary · 15-10-2015, 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

The BT/EE deal is not a merger (and technically neither is the CKH purchase of o2) .

Yes, sorry - what I meant (but failed to say!) was takeover deals - I must have had mergers on the mind, as I was thinking about the conditions placed on the EE merger (which was an actual merger!) re Virgin Mobile.

I can't recall if that also encompassed ensuring EE gave access to its network for other MVNOs too? I remember the future of the 3G RAN share with Three was also guaranteed at this time.

clewsy · 15-10-2015, 17:34

Well of course access is only any good if it gives them access to 4g or latest technology. It does appear that most MVNOs are not getting the 4g access.

japaul · 15-10-2015, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by binary

Yes, sorry - what I meant (but failed to say!) was takeover deals - I must have had mergers on the mind, as I was thinking about the conditions placed on the EE merger (which was an actual merger!) re Virgin Mobile.

I can't recall if that also encompassed ensuring EE gave access to its network for other MVNOs too? I remember the future of the 3G RAN share with Three was also guaranteed at this time.

A few MVNOs made the usual complaints but no, there weren't any remedies imposed in that area. The only issues found were the amount of 1800 spectrum and, as you say, the viability of Three without some sort of certainty the RAN share would continue.

Incidentally, it's okay to describe BTEE and 3O2 as mergers especially in the context of regulatory policy as they are all classed as mergers anyway.

e.g. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/c...o2three-merger

or

https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/bt-ee-merger-inquiry

11-10-2015, 11:05	#1
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	MVNO's I knoebwe talk about them a lot these days, but looking around the internet there isn't that much talk about them. Are Tesco the the only one that offers 4g? The lack of 4g does appear to be a big thing that your giving up when you join one of these, so hardly a great advert that they will offer competition following any network consolation. I'm a Tesco Mobile customer, have been for years. Can't fault the customer service or the value of the packages they offer. It would be interesting to hear other people's experiences of the MNVO's as reviews online don't seem all that positive. Out of interest who is the largest MNVO in the UK these days and how does that compare to the main networks on customer numbers?

11-10-2015, 11:11	#2
mrMick Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cambridge Posts: 1,259	BT Mobile are an EE MVNO that offer 4G. Giffgaff is an O2 MVNO that offers 4G. I can't think of any others off the top of my head, but i'm sure others will fill in the gaps

11-10-2015, 11:52	#3
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Oh yes forgot about those two. Giff Gaff is basically o2 and I guess BT will soon be a network on its own as well.

11-10-2015, 14:31	#4
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	I was with Tesco for years and they are very good. But unlike Sainsbury ASDA and Giff Gaff they dont offer pay as you go bundles.

11-10-2015, 17:19	#5
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	I've never noticed before as out it down to o2's 3g coverage however even on 4g streaming tv via the apps keeps stopping and starting - so assuming it's something that Tesco mobile must stop.

11-10-2015, 17:26	#6
SkipTracer Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The City and County of Bristol Posts: 2,623	I’m running a couple of sims on the Post Office network, EE MVNO with no 4G as yet but I get 18 Mb down and 4 up on 3G so no big problem for 250 minutes, 3000 texts and 512Mb per month for a fiver.

11-10-2015, 17:52	#7
mupet0000 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 620	Post Office mobile seems like it has the best deals tbh. 2GB of data for £10pm on payg is pretty good. 2GB on PAYG from O2/Voda would cost double that!!

13-10-2015, 22:17	#8
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Well appears in one post that Sainsburys mobile could be closing down. If so, then that isn't good as just shows how they are not the answer to competition in the market place, when they are at the mercy of the main networks.

14-10-2015, 15:23	#9
Redcoat Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The wilds of West Tyrone Posts: 2,122	Lycamobile have 4G data available via O2.

14-10-2015, 15:57	#10
SkipTracer Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The City and County of Bristol Posts: 2,623	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy Well appears in one post that Sainsburys mobile could be closing down. If so, then that isn't good as just shows how they are not the answer to competition in the market place, when they are at the mercy of the main networks. Confirmed with an announcement on 40775 Sainsbury mobile help line from your mobile. Quote: Originally Posted by Redcoat Lycamobile have 4G data available via O2. 12p pm to landlines, 19p pm to mobiles, 19p per SMS and 9p per Mb, no thanks.

14-10-2015, 16:18	#11
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by SkipTracer Confirmed with an announcement on 40775 Sainsbury mobile help line from your mobile. It's also on their website. Quote: Important news for our Mobile by Sainsbury's customers We’re sorry to let you know that from 15th January 2016, the Mobile by Sainsbury’s phone service will no longer be available. We’ve loved having you as a customer, and we know that changing your service provider can be a hassle. So, we want to make the process as straightforward as possible. Firstly, we’re telling you now so that you have plenty of time to decide what to do. If you are a Pay As You Go customer, you are still able to top up until 14th November, in store and online. You can continue to use any remaining credit until 15th January 2016. If you are a Pay Monthly SIM Only customer, your service will continue to work as normal until 15th January 2016. http://www.phoneshopbysainsburys.co.uk/mbs

14-10-2015, 19:31	#12
Redcoat Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The wilds of West Tyrone Posts: 2,122	Quote: Originally Posted by SkipTracer 12p pm to landlines, 19p pm to mobiles, 19p per SMS and 9p per Mb, no thanks. If you're just a casual user, then yes Lycamobile isn't a great deal. I was just pointing out the OP's question about MVNOs that do 4G.

14-10-2015, 21:33	#13
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Does that have no connection at all to o2, other than being a wholesale customer of them?

14-10-2015, 22:15	#14
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy Does that have no connection at all to o2, other than being a wholesale customer of them? Lyca Mobile has no connection to o2 other than being an MVNO. They are part of the Lyca group.

15-10-2015, 11:09	#15
binary Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 636	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy Well appears in one post that Sainsburys mobile could be closing down. If so, then that isn't good as just shows how they are not the answer to competition in the market place, when they are at the mercy of the main networks. Though, with the potential mergers on the horizon - BT & EE, and Hutchison and O2 (though this is more complicated in my opinion) - then there could be regulatory solutions that guarantee the position of MVNOs on those networks. Indeed, I think I'm right in saying that a condition for the EE merger was the guarantee that Virgin would continue to have access to the network. Of course, Vodafone isn't part of the great game of mergers, so it might not have any obligation to play nice to MVNOs.

15-10-2015, 12:33	#16
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by binary Though, with the potential mergers on the horizon - BT & EE, and Hutchison and O2 (though this is more complicated in my opinion) - then there could be regulatory solutions that guarantee the position of MVNOs on those networks. Indeed, I think I'm right in saying that a condition for the EE merger was the guarantee that Virgin would continue to have access to the network. The BT/EE deal is not a merger (and technically neither is the CKH purchase of o2) .

15-10-2015, 12:40	#17
binary Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 636	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 The BT/EE deal is not a merger (and technically neither is the CKH purchase of o2) . Yes, sorry - what I meant (but failed to say!) was takeover deals - I must have had mergers on the mind, as I was thinking about the conditions placed on the EE merger (which was an actual merger!) re Virgin Mobile. I can't recall if that also encompassed ensuring EE gave access to its network for other MVNOs too? I remember the future of the 3G RAN share with Three was also guaranteed at this time.

15-10-2015, 17:34	#18
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Well of course access is only any good if it gives them access to 4g or latest technology. It does appear that most MVNOs are not getting the 4g access.

15-10-2015, 20:40	#19
japaul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,662	Quote: Originally Posted by binary Yes, sorry - what I meant (but failed to say!) was takeover deals - I must have had mergers on the mind, as I was thinking about the conditions placed on the EE merger (which was an actual merger!) re Virgin Mobile. I can't recall if that also encompassed ensuring EE gave access to its network for other MVNOs too? I remember the future of the 3G RAN share with Three was also guaranteed at this time. A few MVNOs made the usual complaints but no, there weren't any remedies imposed in that area. The only issues found were the amount of 1800 spectrum and, as you say, the viability of Three without some sort of certainty the RAN share would continue. Incidentally, it's okay to describe BTEE and 3O2 as mergers especially in the context of regulatory policy as they are all classed as mergers anyway. e.g. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/c...o2three-merger or https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/bt-ee-merger-inquiry

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