Network vs network
iD Mobile vs Tesco Mobile
Different masts, different deals. We compare price rises in pounds, roaming, credit checks and today’s cheapest SIMs on both.
bemobiles tips
Do they use the same masts?
No. iD Mobile uses Three’s masts and Tesco Mobile uses O2’s masts. Check coverage at home and work for both.
Which one raises prices?
iD Mobile: None on SIM only; phone plans +£1.80. Tesco Mobile: Fixed rise of about 6% every April.
Which is better abroad?
iD Mobile: 50 countries included, 30GB. Tesco Mobile: Home From Home, 48 countries.
iD Mobile£144
Tesco Mobile£254.40Cheapest 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 £144 on iD Mobile and £254.40 on Tesco Mobile once April rises are added — iD Mobile is £110.40 cheaper. iD Mobile runs on Three’s masts; Tesco Mobile on O2’s masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
iD Mobile vs Tesco Mobile, side by side
| iD Mobile | Tesco Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | Three | O2 |
| Annual price rise | None on SIM only; phone plans +£1.80 | Fixed rise of about 6% every April |
| Roaming | 50 countries included, 30GB | Home From Home, 48 countries |
| Credit check | Hard check | Hard check |
| eSIM | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | No |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k (Q1 2026) | 3 | 2 |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £6 a month | £9 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £7 a month | £10 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £14 a month | £17 a month |
Highlighted = better on that line. Facts from network terms and Ofcom; prices live.
Our verdict
On price, iD Mobile comes out ahead for a typical 10GB+ SIM: £110.40 less over two years once April rises are counted (iD Mobile rises add about £0, Tesco Mobile’s about £14.40).
Coverage differs: iD Mobile uses Three’s masts and Tesco Mobile uses O2’s masts. Check both on the mast owner’s postcode checker for home and work before you decide.
Pick iD Mobile if…
- You want the lower 24-month cost for a 10GB+ SIM
- You want a price that doesn’t rise every year
- You travel and want roaming included
- Three signal is strongest where you live
iD Mobile and Tesco Mobile SIM only deals, live
FAQ
iD Mobile vs Tesco Mobile questions
Is iD Mobile or Tesco Mobile cheaper?
iD Mobile, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £6 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £110.40.
Do iD Mobile and Tesco Mobile use the same network?
No. iD Mobile uses Three’s masts and Tesco Mobile uses O2’s masts.
Which has better roaming?
iD Mobile: 50 countries included, 30GB. Tesco Mobile: Home From Home, 48 countries.
Can I switch from iD Mobile to Tesco Mobile and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your iD Mobile phone, give the code to Tesco Mobile, and the number moves within one working day.