FACT · UK SUPERMARKET MVNO
About Tesco Mobile
Joint venture between Tesco and Virgin Media O2 selling SIM-only plans on the O2 network.
Key facts
Type
Supermarket-branded MVNO joint venture
Headquarters
Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom
Founded
2003
Ownership
50% Tesco PLC, 50% Virgin Media O2
Host network
O2 UK
Customer count
~5 million
Loyalty perk
Tesco Clubcard points on monthly spend
Family Perks
Up to GBP 36/month off via Clubcard
Cheapest SIM
GBP 6/month for 6 GB
Mid-contract price rise
No (most plans)
EU roaming
Yes, included
Official site
tescomobile.com
What is it?
Tesco Mobile is the largest supermarket-branded MVNO in the UK, structured as a 50/50 joint venture between Tesco PLC and Virgin Media O2 since launch in 2003. The brand carries about 5 million subscribers and runs entirely on the O2 4G and 5G network.
Its differentiator is the integration with Tesco's Clubcard programme — monthly bills earn Clubcard points, and Tesco Mobile customers get exclusive Clubcard Perks discounts. Tesco Mobile was an early adopter of the "no mid-contract price rise" guarantee, which it now extends across most pay-monthly tariffs.