O2 Mobile Network Review: Performance, Pricing, and Virgin Media Benefits
A review of O2, one of the UK's three major mobile networks, examines its performance based on a survey of 1,022 Telegraph readers conducted from November 27 to December 11, 2025. O2, which merged with Virgin Media in 2021, scored highest among major networks in reader satisfaction, particularly for reliability and data speeds. The network is used by virtual operators Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff, which also received high ratings. Existing Virgin Media customers can access discounted mobile deals, such as unlimited data for £12 monthly, through bundle offers. However, O2's customer service ratings are moderate, and its SIM-only plans may be less competitive for light data users compared to providers like Lebara. Roaming benefits vary by tariff, with standard plans including EU roaming up to 25GB monthly.
Key facts
- O2 is one of three major mobile networks in the UK, merged with Virgin Media in 2021
- In a Telegraph reader survey, O2 outperformed EE and VodafoneThree in overall satisfaction
- Virgin Media customers can get discounted O2 mobile plans, like unlimited data for £12 monthly
- O2's reliability scored 84% satisfaction, but customer service ratings were around 63%
- Roaming options depend on tariff, with standard plans including EU roaming up to 25GB per month
Entities
Institutions
- O2
- Virgin Media
- Telegraph
- Tesco Mobile
- Giffgaff
- EE
- VodafoneThree
- Lebara
- Sky Mobile
- BT Mobile
Locations
- UK
- London