Why choose O2?
O2 is one of the largest mobile networks in the UK, and ‘piggy backers’ Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile borrow network space provided by O2.
Although not as widespread as EE’s network, O2 provides decent 3G and 4G coverage across the country.
Offering perks through its O2 Priority app, O2 is an attractive option for music fans and partygoers looking for a decent mobile or SIM-only deal.
What tariffs and plans does O2 offer?
One benefit of O2 is the number of tariffs and plans it has on offer. Whether you’re looking for a monthly phone contract, pay-as-you-go or a SIM-only plan, you’ll have a great range of deals to choose from.
O2 contract phone deals
O2 has a good range of handsets for all budgets, from basic Doro PhoneEasy models to the latest high-spec smartphones from big names like Apple, Huawei and Samsung.
If you don’t want to pay top price for a brand new Apple iPhone, O2 offers refurbished handset deals too. Also, there are recent Samsung models.
Phone contracts range from 12-month plans up to 36 months. However, O2 Priority perks are only available on the 24-month plans.
Tariffs are available for all amounts of data. Choose from 1GB up to an unlimited data deal.
O2 SIM only deals
O2 SIM-only deals aren’t the cheapest. The big bonus, however, is that most SIM-only deals (other than the very cheapest with a 12-month contract) come with six months of Disney+ for free.
Frequently asked questions
What coverage does O2 offer?
O2’s 3G and 4G coverage is available to around 99% of the UK population indoors. You can also find the nearest free Wi-Fi hotspot closest to you from the 16,000-plus available when you’re out and about, using its hotspots finder tool.
Speeds might be slower in rural areas, so it’s a good idea to check what coverage is available in your area, like with all mobile providers, before you sign up for an O2 plan.
Following in the footsteps of EE and Vodafone, O2 launched its 5G network - in areas within 75 towns and cities in August 2020, with the promise of more being rolled out soon.
What extras does O2 offer?
O2 might not be the cheapest network provider, but there’s no denying the extras you can get are pretty tempting. O2 Pay Monthly customers can have an ‘extra’ from a choice that includes Amazon Music unlimited, Prime Video and Audible. You can also pick an extra for up to 12 months when you take out particular O2 Refresh phone, tablet and sim-only contracts.
O2 Priority
- Offers, prizes and discounts for a range of products, high-street stores, restaurants, bars, sporting and music events.
- Pre-sale tickets – O2 Priority customers can buy tickets for events at the O2 arena 48 hours before they go on sale to the general public.
- Priority queueing, access to the O2 lounge, free cloakrooms and discounted food and drinks at O2 venues.
O2 Travel bolt-on
- Roam in 75 destinations at no extra cost
- Texts, calls and data allowances work in O2’s Europe zone just as they do at home
- Get a daily allowance of 120 texts, 120 minutes and data roaming in 27 worldwide destinations including the USA, Australia and New Zealand
How does O2 rate for customer service?
O2 has a pretty good record for customer service. In Ofcom’s 2019/2020 customer service report, O2 was under the industry average of mobile complaints with two complaints per 100,000, compared with the industry average of three.
O2 also saw a positive rise in the proportion of its complaints that were resolved on first contact to 48%, up from 39% in 2018.
What are the pros of O2?
- Good range of tariffs and handsets for all budgets
- Priority perks
- Decent coverage across the UK
Any cons?
- Potentially lower speeds and poor coverage in some areas
Find out how O2 compares to other providers in our guide to mobile phone networks.
How can I contact O2?
O2 customers can phone the customer helpline on 202 for free from the UK and abroad when using a pay monthly handset. All other phones can ring 0344 809 0202 (standard charges apply).
You can also contact O2 via its website or by downloading the MyO2 app. It has introduced Aura, a voice assistant in its app to provide personalised support. It can help you get to grips with your bill, roaming and tell you how much data you’ve got left.
How do I compare O2 deals?
Simply click the green button below on this page, then choose to compare phone contract deals, SIM-only deals or shop by network. If you only want to check out O2 deals, click on the company logo after clicking below.
What our expert says...
“If you’re a music lover, the priority tickets at big venues could be a real bonus for events that are likely to be a sell-out. But, make sure your plan gives you good value all year. Some of O2’s SIM-only 5G deals are no more expensive than other providers’ 4G deals.”
- Matthew Brewer, Broadband and mobile expert
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