How to check coverage on Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Lebara Mobile and other Virtual Networks
May 13th, 2011
If you’re signing up to a virtual network operator such as ASDA, Giffgaff, Lebara, TalkMobile, Tesco or Virgin, you’ll need to use the right coverage checker to make sure you can receive signal in your area.
In the UK, we only have 5 “real” mobile phone networks: Three, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone. The 5 “real networks” each own their own network infrastructure: they operate a network of mobile phone masts and own a piece of the radio spectrum (only 3G spectrum for Three; both 2G and 3G spectrum for all of the rest of the networks).
Besides from these five networks, the rest of the networks are “virtual networks” (or an MVNO in mobile-lingo). These networks simply piggyback on the infrastructure provided by one of the “real networks”. Examples of virtual networks include Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile (both O2 virtual networks). Although you’re paying your phone bill to Giffgaff or Tesco Mobile, it’s actually O2 which is routing the call in the background. This means as a customer on Giffgaff or Tesco, you’ll get the exact same coverage as you would on O2.
In this article, we’ll outline how to perform a coverage check on a virtual network and outline the key differences between the service you’ll receive from a “virtual network” and a “real network”.
Which network am I really receiving a service from on my mobile operator? How do I check coverage?
The following table shows all of the branded operators (both real and virtual) within the UK and the corresponding “real network operator”. We have also included links to the coverage checker tools.
| Branded Network Operator | Virtual? | Real Network Operator | Coverage Checker |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 (Three) | No | 3 (Three) | Three Website |
| ASDA Mobile | Yes | Vodafone | Vodafone Website |
| BT Mobile | Yes | Vodafone | Vodafone Website |
| Family Mobile (IKEA) | Yes | T-Mobile | T-Mobile Website |
| Giffgaff | Yes | O2 | O2 Website |
| Lebara Mobile | Yes | Vodafone | Vodafone Website |
| Lycamobile | Yes | O2 | O2 Website |
| O2 | No | O2 | O2 Website |
| Orange | No | Orange & T-Mobile 2G | Orange Website |
| Talkmobile (Carphone Warehouse) | Yes | Vodafone | Vodafone Website |
| Tesco Mobile | Yes | O2 | O2 Website |
| T-Mobile | No | T-Mobile & Orange 2G | T-Mobile Website |
| Vectone Mobile | Yes | T-Mobile | T-Mobile Website |
| Virgin Mobile | Yes | T-Mobile | T-Mobile Website |
| Vodafone | No | Vodafone | Vodafone Website |
What differences are there in the service I receive from a virtual network and a real network?
Although your phone will be “talking” to the same network (hence the core product being the same), there are some differences in the services provided on virtual networks. Services such as voicemail, customer support, directory enquiries and billing are provided by your virtual network operator.
What is the business relationship between the virtual network and the real network?
A virtual network operator will “lease” network capacity from the “real network”. Whilst the exact details of the commercial relationships are confidential, the virtual network operator would be making some kind of payment to the real network in order to lease capacity. This might be in the form of a fixed “per connection” fee or some kind of revenue sharing (e.g. the “real network” might collect the termination rate fees from incoming calls).
Virtual networks are sometimes fully or partly owned by the “real network”. Tesco Mobile is a 50:50 joint venture between O2 and Tesco whereas Giffgaff is a fully O2-owned subsidiary. O2′s recent strategy appears to involve targeting more price-conscious customers using the Tesco Mobile and Giffgaff brands whilst positioning their own brand as a higher-end service with all the bells and whistles. Indeed, the savvy consumer can often receive virtually the same service by switching to a budget virtual network service:
- Giffgaff provides an O2 signal but only charges 8p/minute for calls and 4p/texts
- Family Mobile provides a T-Mobile signal but only charges 8p/minute for calls and 4p/text
- ASDA Mobile and Talkmobile provide a Vodafone signal but only charge 8p/minute for calls and 4p/texts
Are phones locked to a “real network” or a “virtual network”?
If you’re currently using a locked mobile phone on a virtual network, it’ll typically be locked to that virtual network.
Are calls between different virtual networks charged as a cross-network call?
Yes. For the purposes of billing, “same network calls/texts” refers only to customers on the same virtual network. Cross-network refers to any other network (regardless of whether you share the same “real network”).
Which top-up cards can I use on a virtual network?
You can only use a top-up card purchased from your own virtual network operator. Top-up cards belonging to the “real network” will not work. Remember, your virtual network handles all of the billing.
I’m switching network. Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes. You’ll need to ask your existing network for a PAC Code which you should provide to your new network. Our PAC Code Finder tool will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
Where can I learn more about reception and phone signal?
We’ve got a series of articles relating to mobile reception & signal. This include a guide to choosing the network with the best signal where you live.
| About Ken | |
 | My mission is to demystify the world of mobile technology for general audiences and to communicate how mobile technology can enhance every aspect of our daily lives. I've been maintaining the Ken's Tech Tips website since 2004. I have experience communicating mobile technology and presenting new mobile products both online and offline, including at various trade shows and events. You can check out my profile or drop me an e-mail. |
- How Tos & The Basics , Mobile
- Comments(5)
[...] the network you are considering is not on this list, it is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) meaning that it leases network capacity from one of the above networks. For example, Giffgaff is a [...]
[...] is a virtual mobile network running off the O2 network. It’s essentially a subsidiary of O2 (O2 own Giffgaff) which [...]
Hiya, great site, very small correction Lebara uses Vodafone same as Asda
Right you are – thanks! I've updated the article.
Ken
hey ken this website is great but ive had a problem with talk mobile where they wont let me change my number , they say i had to use it a point of sale and beacuse there a virtual proivder cant change the number afterwards.