Independent guide to O2's plans, 5G coverage, EU roaming and who it suits best. Updated June 2026.
Ask Our Team →O2 is operated by Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), a joint venture formed in 2021 between Telefónica (Spain) and Liberty Global (US). With approximately 23 million UK mobile subscribers, O2 is the second-largest UK MNO by customers. The standout feature in mid-2026: O2 is the only major UK MNO still including free EU roaming on all standard consumer plans — 25GB across 48 European destinations.
We don't display live prices — they change frequently. Below we explain how each plan type works.
Available on 30-day rolling, 12-month, and 24-month contracts. All include Data Rollover (unused data carries to next month) and unlimited calls and texts. Tiers range from entry-level data to unlimited. 5G included on mid and higher tiers. Annual rise: fixed £2.50/month each April (disclosed at sign-up since January 2025).
O2's Refresh model splits your bill into a Device Plan (0% interest, 24 or 36 months) and an Airtime Plan. Pay off the device early to move to SIM Only, or upgrade at 11 months via Switch Up. This transparency sets O2 apart from networks that bundle device and airtime into a single opaque payment.
O2 PAYG Big Bundle add-ons available for 30-day periods. A social tariff Essential Plan exists for customers on qualifying benefits — with no annual price rise on this plan. Standard PAYG rates without a bundle are expensive; always add a bundle add-on.
Supported on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+. Activate via the My O2 app or QR code. Apple Watch Cellular is also supported. O2 launched the UK's first satellite-to-mobile coverage in 2026 (Starlink partnership), extending reach to rural areas with no previous signal.
O2 claims 99% outdoor population coverage on 4G. Its 5G Standalone (SA) network — launched in 2023 — reaches approximately 70% of the UK population across major cities and expanding suburban areas. O2 participates in the Shared Rural Network (SRN) scheme to extend 4G to rural areas where no network previously had coverage. Opensignal's January 2026 report rated O2's combined average download at approximately 32.8Mbps.
O2 is the only major UK MNO including free EU roaming on all standard plans in 2026. You can use up to 25GB of your UK allowance across 48 EU/EEA destinations at no extra daily charge. This applies to both SIM Only and Pay Monthly plans. Higher tiers add further worldwide destinations via O2 Travel.
Free loyalty app: weekly treats (coffee, cinema, restaurant discounts), 48-hour early event ticket access, and partner discounts. Worth real money if you attend concerts or sports events regularly.
Unused monthly data automatically carries to the following month on all O2 plans. You never lose data you've paid for — useful if your usage varies month to month.
Device and airtime split into separate agreements. Pay off the device early and upgrade or switch to SIM Only — without waiting for the contract end date.
UK's first satellite-to-mobile network (Starlink, 2026) extends coverage to rural dead zones — a genuine advantage for countryside users and remote workers.
Unsure if O2's 5G or coverage reaches your area? Our team can check your postcode against O2, Three and Sky Mobile in a 2-minute call — no obligation.
📞 03300597117Our independent team can help you compare O2, Three and Sky Mobile in a 2-minute call — free, no sales pressure.