2025
9
UK Mobile Network Providers Market Report 2025
2025-03-03T13:30:43+00:00
REPB35579B4_4C4E_42B7_9CA7_986630A07E9E
2195
180067
[{"name":"Technology","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/industries\/technology"}]
Report
en_GB
41% of consumers with a phone connection have stayed with their mobile network provider for more than five years. However, there is no significant difference in the time consumers have…
  1. /
  2. All Industries
  3. /
  4. Technology
  5. /
  6. UK Mobile Network Providers Market Report 2025

UK Mobile Network Providers Market Report 2025

Reports - What's Included
  • Interactive Databook
  • Multiple Report Formats
  • Access to Clients Portal
  • Custom Presentation Tool
  • 41% of consumers with a phone connection have stayed with their mobile network provider for more than five years. However, there is no significant difference in the time consumers have been with their provider and the type of contract they have with them. It suggests consumers are comfortable in settling in one contract type over time, with inertia becoming ingrained.
  • While inflation has returned to a relatively normal level, most consumers (60%) feel the cost of living crisis isn’t getting any better. When finances are tight, consumers tend to be wary of making major changes, such as moving providers or upgrading their phone to a new contract or handset, which can stymie growth.
  • Technological advancements such as 5G SA and network slicing can help brands showcase their infrastructure developments and promote these upgraded networks to potential customers. Meanwhile, smaller MVNOs, such as Tesco Mobile, will continue to promote flexibility and loyalty in their networks. Newer entrants aim to shake up the market further with a multi-network SIM.

This report looks at the following areas:

  • Analysis of the size of the mobile network providers market, including factors influencing the market’s trajectory over the next five years
  • Key drivers influencing the long-term prospects of the mobile network market, including consumer financial confidence, technological advancements, and infrastructure development
  • How mobile network providers look to leverage competitive advantage through differentiation and brand identity
  • Consumers habitual use of mobile networks and types of contracts they are on
  • Drivers of consumer behaviour in choosing a mobile network, including attitudes towards perks and network experience, and exploring loss aversion in the choice of network
  • Segmentation analysis of mobile network consumer groups. Identifying preferences when choosing a mobile network, and the different priorities and motivations consumers have

With long-term MNP relationships common, brands need to shake consumers out of their inertia with eye-catching personalised perks, while doubling down on network resilience.

Joe Birch, Senior Technology and Leisure Analyst

Market Definitions

This Report covers the state of play of the UK mobile network providers market, including the ‘Big Four’ and the MVNO (mobile virtual network operators). The Big Four refers to EE, O2, Vodafone and Three whilst the likes of giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile are classed as MVNOs as they run off the networks provided by the Big Four.

Payments for mobile phones can be made in three ways. The pay-as-you-go (PAYG) system involves the user continuously topping up their call minutes, SMS (short message service) and data allowance, without any long-term agreement with the provider. However, consumers need to pay the full price for the phone upfront.

The second option is by paying off the phone in instalments with a contract over a certain period of months – the most common being 24 months

Collapse All
  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • Opportunities for the mobile network provider market
    • Perks are important, but remember to take care of the knitting
    • Unlock the AI genie to drive retention and premiumisation opportunities
    • Target the diverse attitudes consumers have when choosing a mobile network provider
    • Market dynamics and outlook
    • Market outlook for mobile network providers
    • Market size & forecast
    • Market value to reach by 15.6bn by 2029
    • Market volume to reach 97m connections by 2029
    • Brand convergence of major players will open up opportunities for MVNOs
    • Graph 1: market share, by network provider, 2023-24
    • Data consumption up by a quarter in 2023
    • Graph 2: average monthly data volume by mobile user, 2014-23
    • Ofcom clamps down on mid-contract price rises while network slicing and AI start to have an impact
    • What consumers want and why
    • Women lean toward lasting engagement; MVNOs perform well
    • Graph 3: length of time with mobile network provide, by gender 2024
    • SIM-only deals continue momentum, led by older consumers and challenger brands.
    • Graph 4: mobile contract type, 2023 vs 2024
    • Target the in-betweeners and focus on getting people out of their contract habits
    • Graph 5: length of time of contract with mobile network provider, 2024
    • Highlight network strengths in high-traffic areas
    • Graph 6: mobile network behaviours, 2024
    • Consumers rely on simple heuristics when choosing networks
    • Graph 7: attitudes towards mobile network providers, 2024
    • Create simple actions to help consumers wade through information and find value
    • Graph 8: attitudes towards mobile network providers, 2024
    • Groups of consumers have different motivations when selecting a mobile network
    • Company innovation
    • Technology deploys to enhance network experience
    • Brands build their value propositions
  2. MARKET DYNAMICS

    • Market size
    • Value of mobile network subscriptions rises for the 4th consecutive year
    • Graph 9: value of mobile network subscriptions, 2020-24
    • Volume of subscribers continues to increase
    • Graph 10: volume of mobile network subscriptions, 2020-24
    • Market forecast
    • Value of mobile networks will be driven by increased take up of 5G SA, upgrades and bigger data packages
    • Higher value data packages to meet the AI age will boost revenues
    • Growth in working age consumers and connected devices will fuel volume growth
    • Volume growth will increasingly rely on multiple connections as smartphones approach universal ownership
    • Market share
    • Convergence of brands will lead to opportunities for MVNOs
    • Graph 11: market share, by network provider, 2023-24
    • 3 and Vodafone need to showcase customer care to appeal to older generations
    • Graph 12: MNO use by generation, 2024
    • Gaming focus could help O2 cement its youth appeal
    • Brand partnerships can help build value proposition
    • Market drivers
    • Consumers are still feeling the squeeze
    • Graph 13: the financial sentiment index, 2016-24
    • Overall mobile data traffic continue to rise
    • Graph 14: mobile data traffic by technology, 2021-24
    • Individual data use climbed 25% in 2023
    • Graph 15: average monthly data volume by mobile user, 2014-23
    • 5G continues to make inroads
    • Graph 16: smartphone 5G status, 2023, 2024
    • CMA approves merger of Vodafone and Three in the UK
    • Ofcom’s changes to the pricing practices of mobile contracts comes into force
    • AI will influence how network performance is delivered as well as drive data use
    • Network slicing can help brands showcase resilience of their networks
    • Smartphone ownership may have peaked
    • Graph 17: personal ownership of technology products, 2024
    • Promote data allowances to be shared across connected devices
    • Graph 18: repertoire of personal technology devices owned, 2024
    • Technology devices in the household
    • Graph 19: personal ownership of technology products, 2024
  3. WHAT CONSUMERS WANT AND WHY

    • Time with mobile network provider
    • Incumbents have an advantage in maintaining customers
    • Graph 20: length of time with mobile network provider, 2024
    • Women show greater propensity to long-term engagement with telecoms brands
    • Graph 21: length of time with mobile network provide, by gender 2024
    • Older generations show more loyalty to network brands
    • Major MVNOs perform well with maintaining long term customers
    • Graph 22: time with mobile network provier, by mobile network provider, 2024
    • Contract type
    • SIM-only continues to grow
    • Graph 23: mobile contract type, 2023 and 2024
    • Older consumers drive SIM-only
    • Graph 24: contract type by generation, 2024
    • Challenger brands drive SIM-only
    • Graph 25: contract type by MNO, 2024
    • Length of time of mobile contract
    • Target the in-betweeners
    • Graph 26: length of time of contract with mobile network provider, 2024
    • Do more to shake consumers out of their learned contract habits
    • Customer centric offering can engender loyalty
    • Cost of mobile services
    • Target the Younger Millennials with the latest upgrade offers
    • Graph 27: monthly price paid on SIM-only or contract with phone, 2024
    • Targeting the affluent mobile users
    • Smaller providers can leverage value to partner with challenger tech brands.
    • Graph 28: price paid for monthly services on SIM-only or contract with phone, 2024
    • Promote equivalent value of SIM-only and contract with phones to PAYG customers
    • Graph 29: monthly price paid on PAYG, 2024
    • Mobile network perks and service
    • Re-iterate commitment to service improvements
    • Graph 30: service status in crowded areas on mobile network, 2024
    • VMO2 can promote network resilience to underscore service reliability
    • Graph 31: UK, receiving a good service on network in crowded areas by mobile network, 2024
    • Those on contracts with phone appreciate perks more
    • Graph 32: attitudes towards mobile network perks, 2024
    • Incentives to sign up can appeal to young adults
    • Perks can be the cherry on the cake of reliability and customer servicing
    • Graph 33: perks received on MNO make me want to stay, by mobile network, 2024
    • Attitudes towards mobile network providers
    • Consumers show elements of loss aversion in mobile network choices
    • Graph 34: attitudes towards barriers in switching MNOs, 2024
    • Newer customers value the appeal of perks
    • Consumers are influenced by rules of thumb over their network choices
    • Graph 35: attitudes towards barriers in switching MNOs, 2024
    • Brand familiarity not a driver for MVNO customers
    • Graph 36: attitudes towards MNO brand familiarity, by MNO, 2024
    • Those who consider well known brands appealing, are more likely to value continuity
    • Consumers agree losing bundles would be a hassle
    • Graph 37: attitudes towards incentives and bundling, 2024
    • Create shortcuts in the comparison process for time strapped consumers
    • Promote your future proofed network to appeal to switchers
    • Graph 38: attitudes towards comparing mobile networks, 2024
    • Mobile network users – consumer segmentation
    • Groups of consumers have different motivations when selecting a mobile network
    • Graph 39: consumer segments for mobile network providers, 2024
    • Thoughtful considerers are highly engaged, incentive driven consumers
    • Graph 40: cautious comparison seekers mobile network segment by age and gender, 2024
    • The power of perks
    • Whereas some consumers show great apathy towards sign up incentives
    • Graph 41: incentive doubter mobile network segment by age and gender, 2024
    • The power of perks
    • Rules of thumb can help drive engagement with the loyalists
    • Graph 42: loyal simplifiers mobile network segment by age and gender, 2024
    • Loyalty can be driven by past experiences
    • Indifferent pragmatists could be customers for value challengers
    • Graph 43: indifferent pragmatist mobile network segment by age and gender, 2024
  4. INNOVATION AND MARKETING TRENDS

    • Competitive strategies and launch activity
    • AI will influence how brands service their customers
    • 5G standalone networks start to gain pace
    • EE broadens its focus to be a technology enabler
    • EE focuses on prestige of its mobile performace to differentiate
    • O2 aims for improvements to optimise network
    • O2 focuses on perks as a means to differentiate
    • Vodafone targets the family and app experience
    • Three aims to lead on 5G and sustainability
    • Honest looks to reward loyalty and offer network seamless network switching
    • Tesco Mobile focuses on flexibility, service improvements and online safety for families
    • Vodafone’s VOXI enters the eSIM game
    • Advertising and marketing activity
    • Advertising spend down on previous two years
    • Graph 44: total above-the-line, online display and direct mail advertising on personal mobile networks and services, 2021-24
    • O2 leads with spending in 2024
    • Graph 45: total above-the-line, online display and direct mail advertising on personal mobile networks and services, by top ten advertisers 2024
    • Reduction in outdoor and TV spend in 2024
    • Graph 46: total above-the-line, online display and direct mail advertising on personal mobile networks and services, by media type, 2023 and 2024
    • Life’s a beach with Sky Mobile: promoting the ‘wouldn’t it be nice’ Flexibility of its network
    • O2 showcases roaming allowance as a differentiation in its mobile network
    • GiffGaff goes big on cheap data deals
    • Snoop SpendMapper analysis
    • An introduction to Snoop SpendMapper
    • EE leads the way for average total spend per year
    • Graph 47: average customer total spend amongst Snoop cohort with telecoms firms and average spend per transaction in the past 12 months, 2025
    • Brands can look to convenient tie-ups with retail partners
  5. APPENDIX

    • Market forecast data and methodology
    • Market forecast and prediction intervals for mobile network subscriptions (value), 2024-29
    • Market forecast and prediction intervals for mobile network subscriptions (volume), 2024-29
    • Forecast methodology
    • Report scope and definitions
    • Market definition
    • Abbreviations and terms
    • Abbreviations and terms cont
    • Consumer research methodology
    • Nielsen Ad Intel coverage
    • Snoop SpendMapper methodology

Why Choose Mintel?

Mintel is the world’s leading market intelligence agency. We show you how consumers think today and tomorrow. As a trusted partner to industry leaders, we deliver game-changing insights to businesses across the globe, fuelling their marketing and innovation strategies that will shape the future.

Access high-quality market research with every purchase of Mintel’s consumer reports. Here’s what else is included in your report purchase:

  • Multiple Report Formats: Mintel’s reports are available in PDF and PPT formats, and are delivered straight to your inbox, so you can easily share Mintel’s market intelligence.
  • Access to Mintel’s Clients Portal: After your purchase is completed, you’ll receive an invitation to join Mintel’s Clients Portal, providing instant access to supplementary insights from Mintel’s industry experts.
  • Interactive Databook: Mintel’s bespoke consumer data is presented as an interactive website, so you can deep dive into your chosen topic, explore demographics and download specific statistics.
  • Custom Presentation Tool: Easily incorporate selected research data and analysis into a tailor-made presentation to win over clients and stakeholders.

Take a look at a sample PDF report below:

Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables in this sample report have been redacted.
£ 2,195 (Excl.Tax)
  • Instant access when you pay by credit card
  • Exclusive prices on report bundles available until March 31st. Contact us to discuss options
Add to cart

Is this report right for you?

From consumer reports to customised growth strategies. We have an option to suit your business requirements.

Find out more

Popular Related Reports

Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study 2024-25

£ 5,000£ 21,600

Mintel’s 2024-25 Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study is designed to help you understand what brands and companies should prioritise in order to educate consumers and ensure...

Find out more

UK Technology Trends – Winter 2024

£ 2,195

This report looks at the following areas: Consumers' device payment habits and views on future payment technologies Smartphone ownership, operating system, app usage and 5G connectivity Smartphone and...

Find out more

UK Bundled Communication Services Market Report 2025

£ 2,195

55% of consumers view streaming services such as Netflix as better value than traditional pay-TV services like Sky and Virgin Media. This reaches...

Find out more

UK Future of Gaming Report 2024

£ 2,195

87% of console gamers including those using handheld consoles say they are satisfied with the quality of graphics on offer. There continues to be sustained effort to improve...

Find out more

UK In Car Technology Market Report 2024

£ 2,195

Safety features and cost concerns dominate consumer preferences, with a focus on value and reliability in new vehicle technologies.Manufacturers should expedite the development and integration of automated diagnostic...

Find out more

UK Smartwatches and Wearable Technology Market Report 2024

£ 2,195

The smartwatch market continues to grow, but at a slower rate than in the previous years. Future growth is likely tempered by a flattening out of demand, as...

Find out more

Trusted by global industry leaders

We have such a great working relationship with Mintel on lots of different levels. As an insight partner, they have helped us to develop our business planning in specific categories as well as supporting our creative process but they’ve also been super helpful with facilitating our events in their inspirational offices near St Paul’s.

They’re an innovative company, with a client-focused team that always delivers.

Abby Carvosso, Group Managing Director, Bauer Media Group

When I’m investigating specific sectors I tend to use Mintel reports for their forecasting, which I’ve always found to be very accurate.

They also offer really broad and deep coverage in their reports. They are very, very detailed. For example, we were able to gain insight across a wide range of business areas from just one report, proving that Mintel is excellent value for money.

So overall, it’s the level of detail and the quality of forecasting that really stand out for me.

Rebecca Green, Market Insight Manager, Wincanton

Mintel is really good for getting a handle on a particular category quickly. If we are working on a new business pitch in an area we don’t have much experience in, it’s a brilliant way to get up to speed with what’s going on, what’s changing and what the key trends are in any category.

It’s very rare now that anyone will plough through a 200-page report – that’s why the summaries are really useful. We know they are backed up by a lot of detail, so if you need to go into something in more depth you know the information will be all there for you.

Pauline Robson, Managing Partner, Mediacom

We use Mintel Reports, mostly for financial services and ecommerce markets, plus a few retail and technology ones.

As a leading payments provider, we value additional insights into consumer behaviour, opinions and trends that are shaping the many different markets we operate in. Mintel is a very good and very quick way for us to obtain those insights.

We use Mintel to get a view on where a particular market is going, which can support us in product development and help us identify opportunities or indeed risks, it is a very useful barometer of a market’s potential.

 

Andrew Neeson, Market Intelligence Manager, VocaLink

We utilize Mintel Reports, Trends and Comperemedia to mine for insights across the numerous business verticals that Epsilon serves, such as CPG, automotive, telecom, healthcare/pharma, retail and financial services.

By integrating Mintel insight into new business opportunities, we have been able to gain the competitive edge necessary to advance partnerships with global brands and key business players.

For our organization, it’s about depth and breadth. Having one without the other doesn’t enable success in our business.

Virginia Harvey, Secondary Research Manager, Epsilon

Is this report right for you?

From consumer reports to customised growth strategies. We have an option to suit your business requirements.

Find out more