Asda, Tesco, Giffgaff, Virgin Mobile, Lebara: how to get cheap access to EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone's mobile network

If you're on the hunt for a new mobile phone deal, you can use EE, O2, Three and Vodafone but without paying their prices.

That's because there are a range of other providers known as mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs, powered by these major networks.

MVNOs offer a simple way to get access to the same coverage as big name networks for a fraction of the price.

Here's what you need to know to take advantage.

MVNOs lease spectrum from major networks at wholesale rates, enabling them to create their own mobile tariffs.

These offer the same coverage as the network supplied by the major company but have their own prices, features, billing systems and customer service departments.

While you might not have heard of the MVNO itself, you’ll have heard of the network it uses. In the UK it will be either O2, Vodafone, Three or EE.

So which MVNOs use which networks?

O2 has three MVNO partnerships operating at the moment. They are:

• giffgaff;
• LycaMobile;
• Tesco Mobile.

Compare O2 and O2 MVNO deals with Recombu

Three has four active MVNO brands:

• FreedomPop;
• iD;
• Shebang;
• Rok Mobile.

Compare Three and Three MVNO deals with Recombu

Vodafone has partnerships with three other firms:

• Lebara Mobile;
• Talkmobile;
• TalkTalk Mobile;

Compare Vodafone and Vodafone MVNO deals with Recombu

EE has the most MVNO brands of all the major providers with a total of 13 operating in the UK. Here is the full list:

• Asda Mobile;
• BT Mobile (although be aware that BT has been given clearance to buy EE);
• Delight Mobile;
• LIFE Mobile;
• Meem Mobile;
• Now PAYG;
• Post Office Mobile;
• Talk Home Mobile;
• The People's Operator;
• The Phone Co-op;
• Telecom Plus;
• Vectone Mobile;
• Virgin Mobile.

Compare EE and EE MVNO deals with Recombu

The main benefit of using an MVNO is the price. These firms tend to offer much more competitive deals than the major network they are associated with.

O2 for example charges £1.20 a minute on landline calls made to Argentina, while Lyca charges 1p a  minute.

The downside to picking an MVNO over the major network is that you won’t be able to get certain benefits.

O2 for example offers customers O2 Priority, which allows them to buy tickets to live shows and gigs before they go on general sale and treats customers to regular exclusive freebies and deals.

That said many MVNOs have their own benefits that might be more appealing. Tesco Mobile, for example, offers 4G at no extra cost and pays out Clubcard points for every £1 you spend on your mobile bill.

Before signing up to an MVNO you should check that the network it uses covers your area.

You can find a link to the major network’s coverage maps on the Ofcom website.

Also double check the company offers certain special features like 4G as sometimes this will only be available direct from one of the big four mobile companies.