About O2
O2 is operated by Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), a 50/50 joint venture between Telefónica and Liberty Global, formed in June 2021. With approximately 23.2 million UK mobile subscribers, O2 is the second-largest network by subscriber count. Founded as Cellnet in 1985 (a BT/Securicor joint venture), it became O2 in 2001 and was acquired by Telefónica in 2005 for £17.7 billion. O2 launched the iPhone exclusively in the UK in 2007. In 2026, O2 is the only major UK network still including free EU roaming on all standard plans.
Plans
We don't list live prices — they change frequently. Below we explain how each plan type works.
O2 SIM Only plans run on 30-day rolling, 12-month, and 24-month contracts. All include unlimited calls and texts, and Data Rollover (unused data carries to the next month). Tiers range from entry data to unlimited. Higher tiers add more roaming destinations. Annual price rise: fixed £2.50/month each April.
O2 uses the O2 Refresh model — your bill is split: a Device Plan (0% interest, 24 or 36 months) and a separate Airtime Plan. You can pay off the device early and drop to SIM Only, or upgrade before term ends with Switch Up.
O2 PAYG offers Big Bundle add-ons (30-day data/calls/texts packages). A social tariff Essential Plan is available for customers on eligible benefits, with no annual price rise.
O2 supports eSIM on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 3+. Activate via the My O2 app or QR code. O2 is the first UK network with satellite-to-mobile coverage (Starlink partnership, 2026).
Coverage & 5G
O2 provides 99% population 4G coverage. 5G covers approximately 70% of the UK population via O2's own 5G Standalone network. O2 won Uswitch Best Network Coverage award 2025–26. The CTIL arrangement with Vodafone extends rural infrastructure.
Roaming Abroad
O2 is the only major UK MNO with free EU roaming on all standard plans — 25GB of UK data usable across 48 EU/EEA destinations at no extra cost. Higher plans (O2 Plus, Ultimate) add further worldwide destinations. Satellite coverage extends to some previously uncovered rural areas.
Key Features
O2 Priority
Weekly freebies (coffee, cinema, restaurant), 48-hour early access to event tickets, and partner discounts via the My O2 app.
Data Rollover
Unused data automatically carries to the next month — one of few networks offering this.
O2 Refresh
Split-contract model: pay device and airtime separately. Pay off device early, upgrade anytime.
Free EU Roaming
Only major MNO with free EU roaming (25GB) on every standard plan, across 48 destinations.
Satellite Coverage
First UK network with satellite-to-mobile (Starlink partnership) for rural dead zones.
Volt Bundle
Extra data + perks if you also have Virgin Media broadband.
Strengths & Weaknesses
✓ Strengths
- Only major MNO with free EU roaming on all plans
- Data Rollover — never lose unused data
- O2 Priority rewards programme
- Satellite coverage for rural areas
- Flexible O2 Refresh contracts
- First class 4G: 99% population
✕ Watch out for
- 5G speeds slower than EE and Three in tests
- Annual £2.50/month fixed price rise each April
- 5G coverage not as wide as EE (70% vs 87%)
- More expensive than Three for unlimited data