Network vs network
O2 vs SMARTY
Different masts, different deals. We compare price rises in pounds, roaming, credit checks and today’s cheapest SIMs on both.
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Do they use the same masts?
No. O2 uses its own masts and SMARTY uses Three’s masts. Check coverage at home and work for both.
Which one raises prices?
O2: +£2.50 every April. SMARTY: No annual rise.
Which is better abroad?
O2: EU included, 25GB. SMARTY: EU included, 12GB.
O2£228
SMARTY£144Cheapest SIM with 10GB or more × 24, plus April rises
Live prices; rises estimated for a plan starting this month.
Over 24 months, the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £228 on O2 and £144 on SMARTY once April rises are added — SMARTY is £84 cheaper. O2 runs on its own masts; SMARTY on Three’s masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
O2 vs SMARTY, side by side
| O2 | SMARTY | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | Own masts | Three |
| Annual price rise | +£2.50 every April | No annual rise |
| Roaming | EU included, 25GB | EU included, 12GB |
| Credit check | Hard check | None |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £7 a month | £6 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £8 a month | £7 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £23 a month | £17 a month |
Highlighted = better on that line. Facts from network terms and Ofcom; prices live.
Our verdict
On price, SMARTY comes out ahead for a typical 10GB+ SIM: £84 less over two years once April rises are counted (O2 rises add about £60, SMARTY’s about £0).
Coverage differs: O2 uses its own masts and SMARTY uses Three’s masts. Check both on the mast owner’s postcode checker for home and work before you decide.
Pick SMARTY if…
- You want the lower 24-month cost for a 10GB+ SIM
- You want a price that doesn’t rise every year
- You want to avoid a credit check
- Three signal is strongest where you live
O2 and SMARTY SIM only deals, live
FAQ
O2 vs SMARTY questions
Is O2 or SMARTY cheaper?
SMARTY, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £6 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £84.
Do O2 and SMARTY use the same network?
No. O2 uses its own masts and SMARTY uses Three’s masts.
Which has better roaming?
O2: EU included, 25GB. SMARTY: EU included, 12GB.
Can I switch from O2 to SMARTY and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your O2 phone, give the code to SMARTY, and the number moves within one working day.