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BT Mobile Review
BT Mobile launched in 2015 as a mobile virtual network operator running on the EE network, which is entirely owned by BT Group. This unique relationsh...
Network Info
3.5/5
MVNO
5G Ready
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Runs on EE, the UK's fastest and most widely covered 4G and 5G network
- Excellent family SIM plans allowing up to five SIMs on one account with volume discounts
- Discounts and perks for existing BT Broadband customers
- Access to five million BT WiFi hotspots across the UK
Cons
- No longer accepting new customers since October 2023
- No pay-as-you-go option available
- Minimum 12-month contracts with no rolling monthly flexibility
- Pricing can be higher than budget competitors for equivalent data allowances
Overview
BT Mobile launched in 2015 as a mobile virtual network operator running on the EE network, which is entirely owned by BT Group. This unique relationship means BT Mobile customers benefit from the UK's most extensive mobile network without the usual compromises associated with MVNOs. EE has consistently been rated the fastest and most reliable network in the UK, and BT Mobile leverages this infrastructure to deliver a premium mobile experience.
BT Mobile carved out a distinctive niche in the market through its family-oriented plans, allowing up to five SIMs on a single account with decreasing per-SIM costs. The network also offered attractive incentives for existing BT Broadband customers, including discounted mobile plans and access to BT Sport. Combined with free access to BT's extensive network of five million WiFi hotspots across the UK, the service represented strong value for households already within the BT ecosystem.
It is important to note that BT Mobile stopped accepting new customers in October 2023, with new mobile customers now directed to EE directly. Existing BT Mobile customers can continue to use and manage their plans, but the long-term trajectory points toward full integration with the EE brand.
Coverage & Speed
BT Mobile offers the same network coverage as EE, which provides 99% 4G population coverage across the UK. EE is widely recognised as the UK's fastest mobile network, consistently topping independent speed tests. The 5G rollout is among the most advanced in the UK, with coverage reaching nearly 80% of the population across hundreds of towns and cities.
Plans & Pricing
BT Mobile offers SIM-only plans on 12 or 24-month contracts with data allowances ranging from 4GB to 100GB. All plans include unlimited calls and texts. Family SIM plans allow multiple SIMs on one account at reduced rates. New customers are no longer accepted.
Roaming
BT Mobile includes EU roaming on selected plans, though customers who took out plans after July 2021 may face daily roaming charges when using their phone abroad. The daily roaming fee applies to calls, texts, and data usage in European destinations. Customers should check their specific plan terms as roaming policies vary depending on when the contract was taken out.
Our Verdict
BT Mobile represents a solid mobile offering built on the backbone of the UK's best-performing network. The EE infrastructure provides unmatched 4G coverage and leading 5G speeds, meaning BT Mobile customers rarely have to worry about signal quality or connection reliability. The family SIM plans were genuinely innovative, offering real savings for households with multiple mobile users under one roof.
The key limitation is that BT Mobile is no longer accepting new customers, making it a legacy service that existing users can continue to enjoy but new subscribers cannot join. The writing is on the wall for a full merger into the EE brand, which is the logical conclusion given that BT owns EE outright. For households already embedded in the BT ecosystem with broadband and TV, the combined discounts make maintaining a BT Mobile plan worthwhile.
For those looking for new mobile plans on the EE network, the recommendation is now to go directly to EE, which offers a broader range of plans and the same excellent network performance. Budget-conscious users who do not need the BT ecosystem benefits may find better value with other MVNOs, though they would sacrifice the network quality advantage that comes with the EE infrastructure.