SIM only plans with EU roaming: Co-op vs Lyca vs Lebara

SouthLondonUser

I have an O2 SIM-only plan which is coming to an end. I would like another SIM only plan with EU roaming. I'd rather switch to another network, as the O2 signal isn't great (even in central London, the O2 signal is always worse than on my EE work phone or my partner's Vodafone).

I have narrowed it down to:

• Co-op mobile: £17 for 30 GB, uses the EE network
• Lyca: 30GB for £15 but only 12Gb of EU allowance (vs 30 for Co-op). Uses the EE network
• Lebara: uses Vodafone. 40Gb for £15. 30 GB of EU allowance

The price is so similar that I'd rather choose based on reliability and signal quality. 

Do you have experience with these networks? Can I expect comparable signal and speed from EE and from a virtual network using EE, or will EE always cap virtual operators in some way?

I have read the MSE page on roaming, but co-op isn't mentioned https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/cheap-roaming-calls/

I'd avoid Three and those using its network because, in my experience, the signal isn't great.
I'd also rule out Asda Mobile as the EU allowance is only 5 GBs.

Thanks!

reddwarf2002

I can't comment on the roaming but currently there is an MSE offer on the 50Gb tariff on Lebara. £1.25 per month for 7 months and £9.90 thereafter.

Signal on Lebara is similar to Vodafone although lots of people do find data speed is capped to 180Mbps on Lebara. I would think during peak times voda customers would be prioritised if cell tower was busy. I'm on Lebara BTW.

Emmia

Lyca has been given an HMRC winding up order, so on that basis I'd avoid switching to them.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/aug/14/tory-donor-lycamobile-handed-winding-up-order-from-hmrc-amid-tax-dispute

jbrassy

So you don't want to use any network that uses O2 or Three. That basically rules out half the market.

For what it's worth, I think Smarty are pretty good value and offer free roaming in Europe up to 12GB a month. 

Cisco001

I would say go for Lebabra if you already got work phone EE cover.

If you want EE mvno, 1pmobile £12.50 for 50GB, 14GB EU roaming

flashg67

Have you looked at Talkmobile too (uses vodafone and usually a seal on uswitch etc) and has roaming. I use lebara and talkmobile and get a decent signal, although there's no 5g with anyone in my location

SouthLondonUser

flashg67 said:

Have you looked at Talkmobile too (uses vodafone and usually a seal on uswitch etc) and has roaming. I use lebara and talkmobile and get a decent signal, although there's no 5g with anyone in my location

Thanks! I wasn't aware of them. Pricing seems cheap, however the 5GB limit on roaming is among the lowest https://talkmobile.co.uk/acceptable-use-policy --> roaming fair use limit

d123

Spusu Mobile will give you 30GB for £9.90 and they include Switzerland in the EU countries and calls from the UK to the EU.

They operate on EE.

They had some teething problems when they first launched but all seem to have been resolved in the last few months.

https://www.spusu.co.uk/spusu30

Neil49

Whatever you do, avoid Lyca mobile like the plague. Aside from the financial issue mentioned above, they have had major database hacking issues earlier this year.

Lebara are quite good and you can get some great promotional monthly rates which can run for 3 to 6 months. This gives you an opportunity to try them out without being tied into a long contract. 

Take a look at Uswitch for some good sim only deals on most of the providers. 

Neil49

Whatever you do, avoid Lyca mobile like the plague. Aside from the financial issue mentioned above, they have had major database hacking issues earlier this year.

Lebara are quite good and you can get some great promotional monthly rates which can run for 3 to 6 months. This gives you an opportunity to try them out without being tied into a long contract.

Take a look at Uswitch for some good sim only deals on most of the providers. 

flaneurs_lobster

Shame that your (local) o2 service is poor, they have good roaming allowances/tariffs at the moment.

You could have 40GB (25GB roaming in EU) for £8/mth via USwitch.