Sky Mobile is one of several MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that share O2’s network – so wherever O2 has coverage, Sky Mobile will too.
Sky Mobile launched in 2017, so it hasn’t been around for as long as a lot of networks, but with Sky’s branding behind it the network has an advantage over some rivals.
There’s a lot more to Sky Mobile than just its branding though, so read on for more information about its coverage types, its selling points, and more.
Sky Mobile has 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G coverage, but it won’t have 3G for long, as O2 is in the process of switching this off at the time of writing. Most of the UK’s other networks have actually already switched 3G off, but ditching 3G is a good thing, as it lets the networks focus on the likes of 5G and 4G, which are newer and faster technologies.
Sky Mobile has a number of perks, including data rollover, which gives you a second chance to use your unused data. In fact, you can store unused data for up to a year with Sky Mobile, which is much longer than on other networks with data rollover.
You can also change to a different Sky Mobile plan whenever you like, even when tied into a contract, and if you’re a Sky TV customer, you can stream Sky apps like Sky Sports and Sky News without it coming out of your data allowance.
Along with SIM Only plans, Sky Mobile also offers phones on contract, as well as tablets and laptops, and you can swap to a new phone or tablet almost anytime you want (though extra charges may apply if you still have a lot of time remaining on your contract).
You can also get unlimited data on Sky Mobile, and the network supports tethering, Wi-Fi Calling, and 4G Calling.
If you’re having issues connecting to Sky Mobile’s network, it’s worth heading to Sky Mobile’s service status page. Here, you can optionally enter the service you’re having difficulty with (be it voice, data, text, no signal, or other) and then enter the postcode, address, or place name of the area you’re in.
Once done, the page will say whether Sky Mobile is aware of any issues in the area, as well as detailing what the state of coverage should be there.
Since Sky Mobile uses O2’s network, you could also try O2’s service status page, or head to O2’s Downdetector page to see if other users are reporting issues.
The secret weapon to improving your signal – or at least being able to use your phone still when signal is bad – on Sky Mobile and most other UK networks is Wi-Fi Calling. On the networks which allow this (which is most but not all of them) you can still make and receive calls and send and receive texts when connected to a Wi-Fi network rather than a mobile network.
You can do this seamlessly, using your normal phone and messaging apps, so the experience is exactly the same as if you were connected to the mobile network. Of course, Wi-Fi Calling is a bit limited in that it requires a Wi-Fi network, but if you’re somewhere with Wi-Fi then it’s a perfect solution.
This would be our suggestion then if Sky Mobile doesn’t have coverage where you are or if it’s reporting network issues.
However, if you’re somewhere that theoretically does have coverage and there are no issues reported, yet you’re still struggling to connect, then there might be things you can do beyond just relying on Wi-Fi Calling.
One is to switch airplane mode on and then off again on your phone, or to turn your phone off and then on again. These actions can clear network issues on your device, so try one or both of those and you might be able to connect again.
If not, then check how much battery is remaining, and charge your phone if it’s low, as that can also impact connection. Installing software updates can sometimes help too.
It’s also possible that something in your surroundings is blocking the signal – that could be the walls of the building you’re in, a nearby temporary structure, thick tree cover if you’re outside, or even bad weather. So try changing location to move away from any potential obstacles or waiting for the weather to clear, and see if that helps.
Or if all else fails, you can get in touch with Sky Mobile for help, by calling 03337 593925.
Sky Mobile has the same coverage as O2, along with Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile – the latter two of which also share O2’s spectrum.
Unlike some networks Sky Mobile doesn’t offer free roaming, but you can still use your phone abroad, and if you’re doing so in one of 55 popular holiday destinations (including much of Europe along with the likes of the US and Australia) then you can do so for just £2 per day.