Thank you for subscribing!
The biggest UK mobile networks face some new competition from retailer AO.
The electrical retailer has just launched AO Mobile, a new SIM-only provider that offers affordable packages of text messages, calls, and mobile data to use with your existing handset.
The company said: "AO Mobile operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), providing nationwide UK mobile coverage while combining reliable connectivity with AO’s award-winning customer service. Customers can choose either a physical SIM card or an eSIM when joining AO Mobile, making it quick and simple to get connected."
The Bolton-based retailer is offering just one plan powered by Vodafone — the Ultimate 500GB for just £18 per month. And if you're an AO Member, you'll only need to pay £12 per month.
It's designed to run on a 30-day rolling contract, so there's no need to commit to a lengthy deal. If it's not working out, you can walk away after a month.
To grab that £12 member price, you'll need an AO Membership, which costs £39.99 a year. And there are a few other noteworthy reasons to get a membership.
You also get discounted prices across more than 9,500 products, unlimited free delivery, free unpacking, removal and recycling of old appliances, and a generous 100-day returns policy.
The service also comes with 5G connectivity, and AO says its coverage reaches 99% of the UK population — so you'd be hard-pressed to find a dead spot.
For anyone who loves the convenience of going digital, AO Mobile supports eSIM as well as traditional physical SIM cards. That means you can get set up almost instantly without waiting for anything in the post.
Heading abroad? You're covered too, with 15GB of EU roaming data included every month at no extra cost.
You can add up to nine extra SIMs to a single account, which is ideal for friends and families.
AO's founder and chief executive John Roberts said: "We've been disrupting the status quo since 2000 to make things better, simpler and cheaper for customers.
"We want to remove complexity and keep mobile simple so that it's easy for customers to understand. Our pricing is transparent, our contracts are flexible, and our prices are fixed.
AO isn't the first company to recently add mobile offerings to its portfolio.
Monzo — the popular app-based bank known for its trademark coral-coloured debit cards — has also launched a SIM-only plan that challenges the traditional model by rewarding long-term loyalty.
This is in contrast with traditional networks, which typically increase bills annually, meaning those who have stayed with the network the longest will pay the most. Monzo Mobile will cut 5% off monthly bills each year, resulting in a total discount of up to 30% after six years.
Monzo is offering three different SIM-only plans, starting from £8 per month for 10GB of 5G data, £12 for 30GB, and lastly, £20 for an unlimited data allowance.
