The UK Mobile Market has Five Main Mobile Network Operators(MNO)s and has a total of 69 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) and counting. Based on our research, we have identified that Hutchison 3G UK Ltd has 33 MVNO Agreements, Vodafone UK Limited has 18 MVNO Agreements, while Everything Everywhere Limited: has 22 MVNO Agreements with Orange and finally T-Mobile UK and finally Telefónica O2 UK Limited aka O2 has 10 MVNO Agreements.
View a Brief Overview on the UK Telecommunications Overview (in Brief) or; View:
OFCOM: The Communications Report or Download The Report: OFCOM-CMR-2010-FINAL (pdf), published in Aug, 2010, or view the Latest Report, published by OFCOM in Oct’11 OFCOM; Infrastructure Report
United Kingdom(UK) Wireless Companies (+44)
Cable and Wireless UK
Hutchison 3G UK Ltd
Everything Everywhere Limited: Orange PCS Ltd, T-Mobile UK Limited
Mundio Mobile Limited aka MCom
PMN – “Teleware PLC”
Telefónica O2 UK Limited aka O2
Vodafone UK Limited
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This is an updated and fairly comprehensive listing for MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) in the UK today. We have listed most known and Active UK MVNO companies (where possible). If you have updated information about the companies listed below, or are not listed then please use the following form.
*Click the respective Company Name to view a brief profile.
View a listing of Closed UK MVNO Companies
360 Mobile
MVNO Launched by Micro-P, an IT Distributor for SME Market.
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active New 11-10-11
Abica Mobile
A business focused MVNO telecommunications Solution.
MVNO; Networks: 3 & T-Mobile & Orange; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
AlphaMobile
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Amazon Kindle
MVNO/m2m; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Data Only; Status: Launched
Anvil Mobile
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Launched
aql®
aql is an accredited 3 MVNE Service Provider and m2m specialised company.
aql, established in 1998, is a UK based, regulated telecommunications operator. aql specialise in providing secure, reliable wholesale access to the fixed and mobile networks to government, enterprise and to innovators. The numbers speak for themselves – aql is responsible for the voice services and numbering on over 42 million numbers for over 20 UK ISP’s, routes over 1 million SMS text messages per day and has enabled over 40 UK MVNO (virtual mobile) brands. aql also own and operate a significant national data network and secure datacentre sites within the UK.
See MVNE Providers Page for further details.
MVNO/MVNE; Networks: 3; Services: MVNE, VAS, Voice & Data; Status: Active
ASDA Mobile
Asda Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator in the UK, operated by Asda, using the Vodafone UK network. Asda Mobile was launched in April 2007. As of 21 August 2007, Asda mobile was available in 237 stores across the UK. Asda Mobile has won awards for being the cheapest national mobile network. Another award was won for customer service. However, on 31 May 2011, Asda Mobile have increased their tariff from 8p per minute and 4p per text to 10p and 6p respectively. There are many phones available on Asda Direct, with all Asda mobile handsets unlocked, one of the reasons handsets are more expensive than with competitors. Asda do not sell all of them on the Asda Mobile network, making some handsets network locked. It has 99% UK 2G coverage, and coverage in over 200 countries around the world. Asda Mobile has been awarded the Which award for best mobile network for the second year running. Results based on coverage, pricing and customer service.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Launched
Axis Telecom
Axis Telecom is to provide a mobile offering to its current customer base of over 14,000 businesses and residential customers through a number of SIM only deals.
MVNO; Networks: Orange; MVNE: Transatel; Services; Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Boy Better Know
BBKM is ‘piggybacking’ on Freedom Talk, who in turn share coverage with Three, thus giving their customers unrivalled 3G coverage across the country.
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: CWC; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active – New May’11
BT Mobile
BT Mobile originally was a full Mobile network, which was sold off, and rebranded as O2, however BT kept some aspects of the network up, and it is using the infrastructure for Business Voice Solutions and Data through USB Modems (Dongle’s) for Mobile Broadband. In March 2011, Vodafone & BT signed a renewed Agreement to support the product for a further five years.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Data Only; Status: Launched
Caesars World Communications (CWC)
Caesars World Communications (CWC), a subsidiary company of wholesaler Annecto telecom who signed an MVNA/O/E agreement with UK’s 3G Network back in 2009.
MVNA/E/O; Network: 3; Services: MVNE; Status: Active – New Feb’11
Catalyst
Catalyst signed an agreement with Orange & Transatel in Q1’10 and will provide mobile services through partners, for niche groups such as students, ethnic minorities and SMEs.
MVNO; Networks: Orange; MVNE: Transatel; Services; Unknown; Status: Pre-launch/Unknown
cMobile
cMobile signed an agreement sign with Orange in April, 2010 who is an ‘ethically accredited online mobile reseller’ and will be targeting the ethical and eco market.
MVNO; Networks: Orange; MVNE: Transatel; Services; Unknown; Status: Pre-launch/Unknown
Cognatel
MVNO/MVNA; Networks: Vodafone; Services: MVNA; Status: LIVE
Consega
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – New Feb’11
CyCell
CyCell will become the only UK MVNO to offer a white label mobile handset with simple tailored mobile packages. CyCell has developed a platform that allows for rapid design and manufacture of credit card sized branded mobile phones. Each customer will be able to develop a unique device within a fraction of the time it would take to design a mobile phone through traditional manufacturing channels. Utlising Cognatel’s number translation capability this allows for a simple phone interface with all the call routing based within the network.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; MVNA: Cognatel; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Soft Launch – New 06-12-11
Dalya Mobile
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; MVNA: Cognatel; Wholesale Carrier; QiComm; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Soft Launch – New 27-06-11
DATA Select
Owned by Phones International Group, and a subsidiary of Expansys PLC.
See MVNE Providers Page for further details.
MVNE; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: MVNE/Distributor; Status: Launched
Datawind
Low-cost tablet maker Datawind this week revealed plans to launch a £99 tablet in the U.K. that is bundled with a year of free Internet access.
MVNO; Network: Vodafone; MVNE: Macheen; Services: DATA; Status: Scheduled – New 29/01-12
Delight Mobile
MVNO; Network: Everything Everywhere; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active – New 30-06-11
Dell NetReady
PC Manufacturer Dell Computers launched its own-branded mobile broadband service on a range of connected devices, in partnership with cloud service provider Macheen.
MVNO; Network: 3; MVNE: Macheen; Services: DATA; Status: Launched – New 11/01-12
Desi Mobi
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Dialog Vizz
This MVNO is owned by DIalog, the Sri Lankan MNO, using QiCOMM’s MVNE Solution, in conjunction with Cognatel. See Sunday Times Top Tech 250 & Tech Track 100 listing.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; MVNA: Cognatel; MVNE: QiComm; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – NEW 19-01-11
Dot-Dash
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Easy Mobile
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Econet Wireless
A new MVNO Company, owned by Econet Wireless a diversified telecommunications group with operations in nine countries in Africa, Europe and the East Asia Pacific Rim, offering products and services in the core areas of mobile and fixed telephony services, internet and satellite. Econet purchased IDT Mobiles program, using Transatel as the original MVNE Provider.
MVNO; Networks: Orange; MVNE: Transatel; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Epian Mobile aka Angel SIM
MVNO offering a complete white label service for the ethnic and immigrant/ university students.
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Extreme I ExtremeMob
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Family Mobile
MVNO offers services for families in the UK. Family Mobile is brought by Mobile Partners Group in partnership with IKEA FAMILY.
MVNO; Networks: T-Mobile; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active
Freedom Talk
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: CWC; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active – New May’11
Fresh Mobile
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Gamma Mobile
Gamma Telecom runs Carrier Grade Solutions, PRS, Access Numbers, Termination & Origination Services and has a mobile service for business users.
MVNA/O; Network: Vodafone; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
giffgaff
giffgaff is an aggressive PAY-Go MVNO solution, with Telefonica’s backing and an emphasis on people power. Whats unique about this company is that it outsources its C/S to its subscribers who earn credits for resolving other consumers technical problems. giffgaff has certain USPs.
Access Past Articles on giffgaff.
MVNO; Networks: O2; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active
Global Cell
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Go Mobile
Shebang is to launch a b2b MVNO this month via its 1,000-strong dealer base, signalling its aggressive drive into the MVNO market.
MVNO; Networks: Orange; Services; Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Gradwell Mobile
A New 3G Mobile MVNO Service that started offering its services on the 4th of October, 2010 with VAS solutions such as VoIP and a fully integrated Hosted PBX extension on your handset via its SIM.
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Gtek Mobile
The UK’s Gteq have launched a MVNO called Intelligent Mobile on 3′s network. The service is offered to resellers solution or as a white-label product with both geographic and non-geographic numbers and features such as call recording and fixed-line access.
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
GT Mobile
GT Mobile was launched in August, 2010 in the UK and is aimed for the ethnic community and offers competitive international rates. GT Mobile operates in Australia, Denmark, The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden under the same brand.
MVNO; Networks: O2; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active
iCard mobile
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; MVNA; Cognatel; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active
icomplete Mobile SIM
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
indigo Networks
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Inspire Mobile
See Announcement
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Unknown; Status: Pre-launch
Intercity Mobile Communications
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
iPass
MVNO; Networks: Everything Everywhere; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
iVittaMobile
In February 2011, iVitta launched the iVittamobile SIM Card, a truly global SIM with affordable calls and SMS worldwide exclusively available to Seafarers. iVittamobile will have a major and positive impact on the lives of Seafarers.
MVNO/Roaming; Network: Unknown; Services: Unknown; Status: Active
Janet 3G
JANET 3G has been developed to provide a range of 3G data packages that combine value-for-money with features specifically configured for the education sector. It is designed to be easy to deploy, helping organisations to make the most of their existing investment in wireless networking. Offering seamless integration with the international roaming service, eduroam1, their existing authentication mechanism can be used for mobile users, making security configuration much simpler. By enabling the use of an organisation’s existing IP addresses, JANET 3G also makes firewall configuration much easier.
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: DATA Pre+postpaid; Status: Pre-Launch
Kite Mobile Communications
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: X-Mobility; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active – New 18/03/11
Kcom
MVNO; Networks: O2; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Kontakt Mobile
MVNO; Network: Vodafone; MVNA: Cognatel; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Soft Launch -
Lebara Mobile
Lebara Mobile’s vision is to give the consumer a hassle-free, high quality, low-cost international call(s). Lebara Mobile Pay-As-You-Go SIM is both a contract or non-contract and is a ethnically targeted International Service for customers wishing to make International Calls and is one of the most successful MVNO’s in Europe. View Lebara Company Profile.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Lyca Mobile
Lycamobile is the UK’s favourite Ethnic international SIM card focusing on price rather than VAS. Lyca Mobile previously used Orange; but managed to develop a new MVNO agreement for Lyca PLUS utilises O2. In addition, Lycatel holds an MVNA solution from O2. See Sunday Times Top Tech 250 & Tech Track 100 listing.
Full MVNO/MVNA; Network: O2; Services: Prepaid & MVNA; Status: Active
Manx Telecom
MVNA solution for O2. See Announcement
MVNO/MVNA; Networks: O2; Services: MVNA; Status: LIVE
Mobile Partners Group
Mobile Partners Group (MPG) was established in 2006, with the purpose of creating a simple way of setting up mobile services with carefully selected partners. MPG act as an enabler for companies or brand names who wants to start a mobile company/service, also called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) or a SP (Service provider). MPG’s first case was a co-operation with IKEA, one of the world’s most valuable brand and indeed a market leader in brand loyalty.
MVNE; Networks: Various; Services: MVNA; Status: LIVE
NeoWave
Neowave is taking a very different stance with its partner resellers, as it does not compete with its channel customers and with its MVNO offering all resellers will always retain ownership of their customers. This non competing attitude will help create long term recurring revenues for its partners and net capital value within their businesses. Other significant features of the offering from NeoWave are FSA standard call recording ‘in the cloud’, and the ability to have multiple numbers on your mobile handset including geographic and non geographic numbers. The ranges of services available from NeoWave all come with market leading value including the new NeoWave unique ‘tracker’ pricing.
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
NowMobile
Prepaid Specialised (MVNO) Service for this large calling card distribution and telecommunications company.
MVNO; Network: Orange; Prepaid; Status: Active
Nomi-Mobile & Nomi-Star
With Nomi-mobile you can chat-as-you-go for as long as you like; forgetting about time zones and call costs. You will benefit from domestic and International calls anywhere, anytime and a simple flat rate. It has been reported that Vodafone has ceased its Support for Nomi-Mobile in late 11’10, however Nomi-Star came online using 3′s network. In May, 2011, Nomi-Mobile entered into receivership.
MVNO; Networks: O2 & 3 & Vodafone; Prepaid; Status: Receivership
Nutshell Mobile
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
O-Bit Telecom
Rumoured to be launching an MVNO Product
Opal Telecom aka TalkTalk Business
MVNO; Networks: Everything Everywhere; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active NEW 07/04/11
The Phone Co-op
The Phone Co-op originally launched its MVNO using Three, but has now signed a new Agreement with MNO, Everything Everywhere and Transatel as its MVNE Provider.
MVNO; Networks: 3 & Everything Everywhere; MVNE: Transatel; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – Updated – NEW 07/04/11
Podsystem
Podsystem Ltd. is an MVNO specializing in data SIM cards for the M2M and business travel sectors. An expert in multi-network data SIMs, Podsystem offers coverage worldwide across a wide variety of networks at prices comparable to, or often lower than, local single network SIMs.
MVNO/m2m; Network: TBC; Prepaid/m2m; Status: Active
Priyo Mobile
MVNO; Networks: Everything Everywhere; MVNE: Transatel; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active NEW 07/04/11
QQ Mobile
MVNO; Network: 3; MVNE: CWC; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active – New Feb’11
RM Mobile
Ryan and Marc Ltd is the company behind the RMmobile brand, passionate, knowledgeable and experienced in all things broadband, voice, data and servers. Ryan and Marc Ltd pride themselves on being friendly, caring, honest and ethical. Products and services are designed for how businesses work, are price competitive, high quality, and avoid “techie” jargon. The RMmobile brand is designed for both business users already using services from the company, allowing them to have one-bill for all their communication needs, and attracting new customers by saving them over 35% a month on their current mobile, broadband, telecoms and hosting services. Ryan and Marc Ltd provide personal services backed up by a vast range of skills – from customer support, to database design, to web application development. For more information visit .
MVNO; Networks: Everything Everywhere; MVNE: Transatel; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active NEW 07/04/11
Sainsburys Mobile
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Sim4Travel
A Travellers Roaming SIM services, owned by Software Cellular Network Ltd. SCN have launched TruPhone, another MVNO service and Mobile Application.
MVNO; Networks: Unknown; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active
SIMFINITI
MVNO; Network: 3; MVNE: CWC; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active – New Feb’11
Simple Call Mobile
Zamir Telecom, a UK based Retailer, and wholesaler of telecommunication services signed an MVNO agreement with Transatel andOrange. Simple Call ” is established brand of Zamir Telecom.
MVNO; Networks: Orange; MVNE: Transatel; Services; Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – New 13-12-11
Skyrack technology
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – New Feb’11
Smarter Mobile
MVNO; Networks: 3 & Private GSM Technologies; Services: Prepaid; Status: Unknown
Stan Mobile
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE:X-Mobility; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Steam Communications
Stream is a full service MVNO providing enhanced mobile network services for M2M and telemetry sectors. We have unrivalled experience, knowledge and expertise in this constantly evolving field.
Full MVNO/m2m; Networks: 3; Services: Data Only; Status: Active
Talk Mobile
Originally, Talk Mobile was Mobile World, which was launched in April 2005, and rebranded in 2008. Talk Mobile is a part of the Carphone Warehouse Group.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Talk Talk
Part of the Carphone Warehouse Group.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Telappliant
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Teleena
Teleena is an MVNE provider in the Netherlands, and the UK. See MVNE Companies for further information and activities for Teleena.
MVNO/MVNE; Networks: Vodafone; Services: MVNE:; Status: Active
TeleWare Mobile
We suspect the MVNO use’s Vodafone’s network, however Teleware has asked to keep this information private. Interesting enough, Teleware also owns Private Mobile Networks which a low power spectrum licence within the UK and can scale for UK-wide deployment. View an Interesting Overview; Teleware.
MVNO; Network: Vodafone; TBC; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – NEW – 14-06-11
Tesco Mobile
MVNO; Networks: O2; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
The One Point
The One Point offer our customers a “whole in one” solution, giving them the benefits of one single-source provider to manage their IT, Telecoms, Business and Personal Mobiles and Digital Media needs. We offer them greater savings and the convenience of management in one place, in turn giving them greater control.
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: scheduled
thevoicefactory
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – New Feb’11
TomTom
GPRS Data Service, for Tom Tom Navigation Services.
MVNO; Network: Vodafone; Services: Data Only; Status: Active
Transcomm Uk (RAM Mobile Data)
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
Truphone
Truphone launched its MVNO offering in 2010, focusing on Apps, and the prepaid market and is owned by Software Cellular Network Ltd.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
TXI
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – New Feb’11
Unicom
Unicom, the fixed line service provider, has launched its B2B MVNO service selling mobile; initially to its existing base of some 80,000 customers, and will provide billing for both fixed and mobile services on the same invoice.
MVNO; Networks: Orange; MVNE: Transatel; Services; Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
UNIFY
The company already operates mobile networks in Switzerland, the USA and Liechtenstein as well as full MVNOs in the Netherlands and Germany. The agreement with Three will see them extend their footprint and customer base to the UK with a complete service launch, planned in early Q2.
Full MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – New Jan’11
Uni-tel Mobile
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: X-Mobility; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active
Utility Warehouse Discount Club aka Telecom Plus
Service provider selling aggregated services (mobile, fixed phone, internet, utilities, etc.).
MVNO; Networks: T-Mobile; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active
Vectone Mobile
Vectone Mobile is an ethnic based MVNO Services offering cheap rates for International Calls. Recently Vectone Mobile has been offering aggressive Monthly Tariffs and VAS.
MVNO; Networks: O2; Services: Prepaid; Status: Active
Viacloud
Rumoured to be launching an MVNA Service
Virgin Mobile
Full MVNO launched in October 2000 with 4.1 Million customers by 2009.
Full MVNO; Networks: Orange; & T-Mobile; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Vizz Africa
This MVNO is owned by QiCOMM’s MVNE Solution, in conjunction with Cognatel. See Sunday Times Top Tech 250 & Tech Track 100 listing.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; MVNA: Cognatel; MVNE: QiComm; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – NEW 03-10-11
voiceforce
MVNO; Networks: 3; MVNE: aql®; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – New Feb’11
Wireless Logic
An m2m Specialised Company, previously owned by Phones International Group with advanced telematic solutions. See Sunday Times Top Tech 250 & Tech Track 100 listing.
MVNO/m2m/MVNA; Networks: Orange & T-Mobile & O2 & Vodafone; Services: Data Only; Status: Active
Worksmart Technology
Worksmart Technology has completed its hosted communications portfolio by adding mobile services to its line up. As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, Worksmart can now offer Vodafone mobile network services and a complete range of mobile tariffs, bundles and bolt-ons, to complement its innovative fixed line services.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active – New 06-12-12
X-Mobility
See MVNE Providers Page for further details.
MVNO/MVNA/MVNE; Networks: 3; Services: MVNA; Status: LIVE
XLN Telecom, and change its network from Three to Vodafone.
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
Yes Telecom
See Previous UK MVNO Companies
YooZoom
YooZoom has been at the forefront on Fixed to mobile convergence (FMC), as well as actual applications on smart phones and PBX solutions. Yoozoom has its Mobile X product which is sim card based and works in any phone. In essence it means that a users mobile phone can now become part of the business phone system, carrying and internal extension number, with the same call transfer, voicemail other other fuctions enjoyed by a desk phone. A receptionist now longer has to say he/she’s on their mobile but instead just transfers the call to the screen icon and the call will connect on desk phone, softphone (computer) or mobile via standard 2G GSM connectivity. The user the same answer a call on the mobile and transfer back to the office.
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Active
GET
No further information can be found on this provider, other than it is using Everything Everywhere’s network. If you have any information on this company, if you have updated information then please use the following form.
Ethnic Challenge
No further information can be found on this provider, other than it is using Everything Everywhere’s network. If you have any information on this company, if you have updated information then please use the following form.
AlphaMobile
Alpha Telecom was sold last year to Onyx Innovations and they have signed their agreement with Cognatel who is an MVNA offering access to Vodafone’s UK network.
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; MVNA: Cognatel; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Unknown – New 27-07-11
Desi Mobi
See our exclusive Interview with Sacha Visram, MD of Desi-Mobi
MVNO; Networks: Vodafone; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Closed
Dot Mobile aka Dot-Dash
Created the first pan-European MVNO focused at the business segment.
Launched in November 2004, but soon encountered trouble securing further financing. Founders now Piran Partners, an MVNE Consultancy Company
Acquired by Vodafone.
Easy Mobile
Acquired by T-Mobile.
An ESP Service between easyGroup Ltd. and TDC joint-venture.
ExtremeMob
Acquired by Vodafone.
Fresh Mobile
Pre-paid MVNO venture for Value Telecom which is owned and operated by the Carphone Warehouse Group. Fresh Mobile has now closed, and Carphone Warehouse is focusing on their other MVNOs: Talk Mobile and Talk Talk Mobile.
Networks: T-Mobile.
Global Cell
Prepaid MVNO focusing on the Eastern European Market
MVNO; Networks: Orange; Status: Liquidated
IDT Mobile
Prepaid MVNO Service for ethnic minorities. Owned by telecoms company IDT Europe’s and sold to Econet Wireless
MVNO; Networks: Orange. Status: Rebranded
Intercity Mobile
Acquired by Vodafone.
Mobile World
Rebranded to Talk Mobile & owned by Carphone Warehouse.
Noodle-Oodles
MVNO; Networks: Unknown; Status:Liquidated
Nutshell Mobile
An MVNO which launched on 3‘s network on the 8th of March, 2010.
On the 9th of May, 2011 Nutshell Mobile goes into liquidation.
MVNO; Networks: 3; Services: Pre+postpaid; Status: Closed
One.Tel
Acquired by Vodafone.
Project Mobile
Acquired by Vodafone.
Rok Mobile
Acquired by T-Mobile.
Sainsburys Mobile
Supermarket Chain, Sainsbury had a prepaid MVNO solution.
Acquired by O2.
Singlepoint
Acquired by Vodafone.
Touchan Mobile
Postpaid MVNO for telecoms company IDT Europe’s consumer telephony brand; Touchan
Acquired by T-Mobile.
Transcomm Uk (RAM Mobile Data)
Active until 1st June 2010.
MVNO; Networks: O2
Yes Telecom
Dutch ESP initiative, based on the company’s UK success, focusing on business customers.
Acquired by Vodafone.
In its recently published and highly publicised report, The Communications Market 2010 (August), Ofcom highlighted the key role of the mobile phone in stimulating media usage (which also includes communications). UK consumers now consume more media than ever before, with the average person now multi-tasking to cram nearly nine hours’ worth of media within little over seven hours of their time every day. According to Ofcom, media multi-tasking now accounts for 20% of all media usage, rising to 29% within the 16 to 24 age group, as shown in Figure 1.
This transformation in media consumption patterns is largely attributed to the surge in smartphone ownership, which has doubled to just over a quarter of the population aged 16 and over within the last two years. Indeed, when Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, it revolutionised the way in which consumers access mobile content by providing a far more intuitive interface than before. With mobile handset processor power increasing, and a range of devices imitating Apple’s benchmark user interface, it is much easier for consumers to access various services on a mobile device, and to simultaneously consume media on other devices, such as a TV.
![Figure 1: Daily media consumption in the UK, based on research carried out for Ofcom in April/May 2010 [Source: Ofcom, Analysys Mason, 2010]](http://www.prepaidmvno.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Figure_1.gif)
Figure 1: Daily media consumption in the UK, based on research carried out for Ofcom in April/May 2010 [Source: Ofcom, Analysys Mason, 2010]
Smartphones have evolved to incorporate multiple functions, such as high-resolution cameras and GPS – so much so that their original purpose has been relegated to a secondary role, particularly by young people. Ofcom’s research revealed that less than a quarter of the time spent by 16 to 24 year olds on their mobiles is for voice calls, while Internet access, social networking, audio and video consumption account for more than a quarter of their time, and text messaging for half of it. Whereas smartphone ownership used to be limited to high-end contract users, these devices are now increasingly affordable to the majority, because they are available on monthly contracts as low as GBP10 (EUR12.13) per month or even on a pay-as-you go basis for less than GBP70 (EUR84.92).
Other key factors behind the strong growth of mobile media and applications usage include:
At the same time consumers are media multi-tasking more than ever before. Media multi-tasking where, for example, a phone call is made while surfing the internet now accounts for 35 per cent of all media consumed throughout the day and the younger the person, the more media activity is done at the same time.
Among 16-24s, over half (52 per cent) of their media activity is simultaneous, compared to just over one fifth (22 per cent) for people aged over 55. The growing popularity of smartphones and the changing way they use their mobiles is increasing their overall use of communications, and helping them do much more simultaneously.
But while they are doing more, it is costing them less. For the fifth year in a row spending on communications services has decreased. Real household monthly spend on communication services fell 1.7 per cent over the past year to 91.24, as more people choose to buy their services in discounted bundles.
Half of all UK households now buy a bundle of two or more services from a single provider compared to 29 per cent in 2005. Seventy per cent of people with a bundle said that the main reason for taking a bundle was because it was cheaper. Ttraditional media is far from dead, with TV retaining a central part in their lives, particularly in the evening. And its not just scheduled live television which continues to be popular – the number of people watching catch up TV services also increased by more than a third over the past 12 months.
Download the Report: OFCOM-CMR-2010-FINAL (pdf)