Which UK network has the best coverage in 2026?+
All three UK MNOs (EE, O2, VodafoneThree) cover 99%+ of the UK population on 4G. EE is independently rated best overall — winning umlaut Best in Test 2026 with a record 920/1000 score, and recording 77.4% 5G availability. O2 won Uswitch Best Coverage 2026 and has extended UK landmass coverage to 95% with its Starlink satellite service. Always use each network's coverage checker for your specific home and work postcodes.
How do I keep my number when switching?+
Text PAC to 65075. You receive a free 9-character PAC code within 60 seconds. Give this to your new network when signing up. Your number transfers within one working day. Old contract cancelled automatically. Free, legally guaranteed, cannot be refused. If you want to leave without keeping your number, text STAC to 75075 instead.
Is Three's unlimited data speed-capped from April 2026?+
Yes. From 19 April 2026, all new Three Pay Monthly customers on standard plans are capped at 100 Mbps download speed. New PAYG customers are capped at 25 Mbps (50 Mbps with Auto-Renew Data Pack). A Full Speed Add-on at £4/month removes the cap. Three's previous average 5G speed was 187 Mbps — the cap significantly reduces what new customers experience. Existing in-contract customers are not affected until they re-contract.
Do I get free EU roaming in 2026?+
It depends on your network and plan tier. O2 is the only major MNO to include EU roaming free on all standard plans (49 destinations, 25GB monthly fair use). Three Complete plans include 163 worldwide destinations via Go Roam. EE All Rounder and Full Works plans include EU roaming free; Essentials pays £2.29/day. Tesco Mobile covers 48 destinations free (Home From Home). Vodafone standard plans charge by zone per day. Always check your specific plan's terms before travelling.
What happened with the Vodafone and Three merger?+
Vodafone UK and Three UK merged on 31 May 2025, creating VodafoneThree — 51% Vodafone Group, 49% CK Hutchison. The deal was approved by the CMA with a binding £11 billion 10-year investment commitment. Both Vodafone and Three brands continue to operate separately with 28.8 million combined customers. In May 2026, Vodafone Group announced a £4.3 billion buyout of CK Hutchison's 49% stake, pending regulatory approval.
What is an eSIM and which phones support it?+
An eSIM is a digital SIM permanently built into your phone — no physical card needed. Activate it online via QR code in minutes. Compatible with iPhone XS/XR and all later iPhones (2018+), Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and most 2020+ flagship Android phones. All major UK networks support eSIM. Tip: dial *#06# — if you see an EID number alongside your IMEI, your phone has eSIM capability.
What is 5G and do I need it?+
5G is fifth-generation mobile — speeds of 100 Mbps to 730+ Mbps versus 4G's typical 20–100 Mbps, plus lower latency. For everyday tasks (social media, messaging, streaming audio, standard video calls), 4G is perfectly adequate. 5G makes a meaningful difference for 4K video streaming on mobile, using your phone as home broadband, or downloading large files quickly. Good news: 5G is included free on virtually all UK plans with no premium tier needed. Use it automatically if your phone and local coverage support it.
What happens when my phone contract ends?+
Your phone is fully paid off. If you continue on the same tariff, you are overpaying — the device cost is gone but the price stays the same. This is the most expensive moment in any phone contract. Either call your network's retention team and negotiate a cheaper SIM Only deal, or switch networks using a PAC code (text PAC to 65075, free, within 60 seconds). The money saved by switching to SIM Only after contract end is often £10–20/month — £120–240/year.
What are O2 Priority rewards?+
O2 Priority is a free loyalty app for all O2 mobile customers. In 2025 it delivered 8 million+ rewards. Typical 2026 offers: a free £1 Greggs hot drink or savoury treat every week (RRP £3.95–4.20); 4 Vue cinema tickets for £18/month (standard RRP £13.99 each); up to £150 off £1,500 lastminute.com spend monthly; 48-hour presale access to major UK concerts and events. O2 also owns and sponsors The O2 arena in London.
What are the annual price rises in 2026?+
From April 2026: EE SIM Only voice plans +£2.50/month (March each year); O2 Airtime Plans +£2.50/month (April each year); Three varies by plan tier. Customers on legacy contracts from before January 2025 may face a 7.3% rise (CPI December 2025 of 3.4% + the old 3.9% contractual formula). Tesco Mobile Clubcard Price deals are frozen — no rise. Giffgaff, SMARTY, Sky Mobile, and iD Mobile have no annual price rises. Since January 2025, Ofcom requires the exact £/p rise to be disclosed at sign-up.
Is thrynovva.online affiliated with any mobile network?+
No. thrynovva.online (thrynovva.online) is completely independent. We have no commercial, financial, or operational connection to O2, EE, Three, VodafoneThree, Tesco Mobile, Vodafone, Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, SMARTY, iD Mobile, or any other mobile network. We do not sell plans, earn affiliate commission, or accept advertising from network operators. All brand names are used for educational identification only. Always verify current pricing and terms directly with the relevant network before any purchase decision.
