Don't be put off switching to a cheap piggyback mobile network – there's 'no noticeable difference in signal' for most

Piggyback providers – also known as 'mobile virtual network operators' or MVNOs – don't have their own masts. Instead, they rent access from the UK's "big four" mobile networks – EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone (Three and Vodafone merged earlier this year, but their networks remain largely separate for now).

When you join a piggybacker, you're essentially using the same coverage and infrastructure as customers of the main four – but often at a much lower price. You can use our Cheap Mobile Finder to compare all sorts of deals, including only from providers using your current network's signal (if that's what you're after). 

Piggybackers found to have similar signal overall

Mobile industry research firm PolicyTracker's new analysis, which it compiled on our suggestion, aimed to determine whether signal performance was the same between four popular piggybackers and the networks they use (Giffgaff versus O2, iD Mobile versus Three, Lebara versus Vodafone and Lycamobile versus EE). 

The firm used the results of 40,000 download speed tests carried out using its Android-only SignalTracker app between March 2025 and August 2025 in various urban, suburban and rural locations. Here are the full report's key findings in a nutshell: 

• Speeds were above 20 Mbps in most tests across both the main networks and piggybackers – more than enough for everyday tasks. This means streaming, browsing and video calls should all work smoothly. Speeds above 20 Mbps are "hard to distinguish in everyday usage", according to the report – so any performance differences "may not be noticeable to users". 

• In some cases, piggybackers came out ahead of the main networks. EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone generally performed a bit better than the piggybackers when comparing download speeds and factoring in failed connections. But in some cases the smaller providers beat the biggies – for example, Lebara did slightly better than the network it uses, Vodafone, while Lycamobile beat EE on average speeds in both central London and suburban areas.

• While there's usually no noticeable speed difference, the gaps in download performance varied. Lebara (using Vodafone) and Lyca Mobile (using EE) were found to have "much smaller performance gaps" versus the main networks compared to iD Mobile (using Three) and Giffgaff (using O2). This was especially pronounced in suburban areas, where Three scored an average download of 105 Mbps compared with 26 Mbps for iD Mobile, while O2's average was 56 Mbps, compared with 41 Mbps for Giffgaff. 

• Location matters a lot. For example, in parts of South London, O2 and Giffgaff were almost identical, but in the suburbs of Birmingham O2's performance was clearly stronger. And different networks were fastest in different areas, with Vodafone the winner in Cumbria and EE coming top in North Lincolnshire, to give two examples. 

• Got a serious need for speed? The latest technology can make a big difference. The most advanced version of 5G (known as "5G standalone") was found to be much faster overall than 4G and regular 5G. For example, Vodafone reached average speeds of 161 Mbps in suburban areas – nearly double what it could achieve otherwise.
  
  While piggybackers usually have access to 5G, none of them currently support 5G standalone, the report said. So if you're a heavy data user and need the fastest possible speeds, this could be a reason to consider a main network – though check the tariff you choose carefully, as not all include these speeds.

What to do if you're unhappy with your signal

Whether you're using a main network or piggybacker, here's what to try if you're unhappy with your mobile signal: 

• Before taking out a new deal, use regulator Ofcom's coverage checker. This shows you which network is likely to have the best signal in your area. 

• Use your cooling-off period after joining. By law, you can cancel within 14 days of starting a new contract without penalty – so take some time to check you're happy with your signal. 

• If issues arise partway through your contract, complain to your provider. They should help you troubleshoot and may be able to offer alternatives. 

• Escalate if needed. If your problem is still unresolved after eight weeks, you can escalate your complaint to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. Your provider's complaints policy will include details of how to do this.