Every mobile provider has its own set of selling points. Virgin Mobile is no different. However, we have to mention that Virgin Media no longer piggybacks on EE’s mobile network, and is now using Vodafone. This is a bit of a step down for Virgin Media, since EE has the fastest 4G data speeds in the UK. There are only 4 Mobile Networks in the UK, and by teaming up with Vodafone, Virgin Media has gone from using the UK’s fastest network (by a long way) to the UK’s 3rd fastest. Nonetheless, Here are the things Virgin Mobile offers to entice new customers to take out a SIM with them.
Despite there being a couple of dozen mobile providers – and many more if you count the smaller, niche and business providers – there are only four actual mobile networks in the UK. They are: Three, O2, Vodafone and EE. Each has a physical network of masts, and as such, each has its own unique coverage 'footprint' and data speeds. All other providers besides these four piggyback onto one of them in order to offer their services.
Virgin Mobile piggybacks on the Vodafone network. Which comes third in terms of speed, offering 4G download speeds of 21.6Mbps. This isn't going to bother many people, but by comparison, EE has an average 4G download speed of 44Mbps. A pity, since Virgin Media previously used the EE network for its mobile services.
There are a standard set of desirable features you should look for in any mobile provider you are considering signing up to.
You can use a Virgin Mobile phone almost anywhere in the world. You will need to bear in mind, though, that the amount you will be charged – as with all mobile providers – will vary wildly, depending on where in the world you are.
Now the UK has left the European Union, mobile providers can reintroduce roaming charges for using your phone when travelling. However Virgin Mobile have not reintroduced them, so in most of the European Union, you will be able to 'roam like home', which means all of your allowances won't cost you a bean more when using them in the countries you are visiting. It is always worth checking its fair use policy before you go, as falling foul of it, can result in being charged more than you expected.
On Virgin Mobile you will be able to roam like home in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guinea, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Islands, Romania, Saint Barthelemy (St. Barts), San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Czechia, The Netherlands, The French Antilles and Vatican City.
Beyond these, Virgin Mobile offers special rates for using your services in the Channel Islands, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Turkey and Switzerland. As for the rest of the world, you will need to check rates on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Virgin Mobile offers a good selection of SIM only deals, operating on the Vodafone network.
Yes. All Virgin Mobile SIMs are 5G as long as you have a 5G handset to use it in. However, 5G is currently only available in around 100 towns and cities in the UK, where a good 5G signal is not available, your phone will switch to 4G in almost all of the UK, or otherwise to 3G or even 2G as required.
If you take out a Virgin Mobile SIM deal and change your mind for whatever reason that's fine. Virgin Mobile offers all of its SIM deals with a 14-day cooling off period, during which you are free to change your mind.
Virgin Mobile is on the Vodafone network which is currently the third fastest 4G network in the UK (Out of the four UK mobile network providers: 02, EE, Three and Vodafone).
No. Although Virgin Mobile piggybacks onto the Vodafone network, it remains a completely separate provider and company. Vodafone locked phones will only accept a Vodafone branded SIM.
If you'd like to find out more about how we rate Virgin Mobile as a provider, you can do so by taking a look at our in-depth review.