Check Mobile Coverage on Tesco Mobile

Tesco Mobile is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that shares O2’s spectrum, so it has coverage in all the same places as O2.

And while there are many MVNOs, Tesco Mobile has been around longer than most, having launched way back in 2003. It also benefits from having a brand name behind it.

But is Tesco Mobile a good network choice? Well, to help you decide, you’ll find the key selling points of Tesco Mobile below, along with more information on its coverage. And if you’re already a Tesco Mobile customer, you might benefit from our tips on how to improve your Tesco Mobile signal.

What types of mobile coverage does Tesco Mobile have?

Tesco Mobile has 5G and 4G coverage of course, as well as 2G and 3G, though O2 – which it relies on for coverage – is working on switching its 3G network off, to free up more network resources for 5G and 4G.

So you won’t be able to get a 3G signal on Tesco Mobile for long, but the other networks are also switching 3G off, or have already completed their 3G switch off.

What are the selling points of Tesco Mobile?

MVNOs often don’t sell a wide variety of plans, with some for example limiting you just to SIM Only plans. But on Tesco Mobile, you can get SIM Only plans, smartphones on contract, and Pay As You Go plans.

So while it still lacks some of the non-phone related stuff like mobile broadband that you can get on the big four networks, Tesco Mobile’s phone and SIM offerings are comprehensive. And its plans are quite customisable too, as you’re able to choose between 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 month plans when buying a phone.

Tesco Mobile also gives you up to unlimited data (depending on the plan you choose), and free EU roaming is included as standard (though this is only currently promised until 2026).

Tesco Mobile also offers spending caps, family plans, 4G Calling, Wi-Fi Calling, and tethering. And if you’re a Tesco Clubcard member then you can get lower prices on some plans, plus 1 Clubcard point for every £1 you spend on your plan.

How can I check Tesco Mobile’s network status?

You can use Tesco Mobile’s status checker to see if there are any network issues in your area. Just select the type of service you’d like to check (e.g. voice or data) and then enter your postcode or address.

You could also head to Tesco Mobile’s Downdetector page to see if other users are reporting issues with the network.

What can I do to improve signal?

If you’re having issues with Tesco Mobile’s network then one immediate solution you could try is Wi-Fi Calling – this simply means connecting to a Wi-Fi network, after which you’ll be able to seamlessly call and text on your phone, just like if you were connected to Tesco’s network.

Of course, this requires a Wi-Fi network, so it’s not an ideal long-term solution. But if Tesco Mobile itself is reporting issues, then it will likely solve them soon.

But what about if the problem doesn’t seem to be with Tesco Mobile itself? Well, there are a few things to consider or try.

Lots of things can obstruct mobile signal, including walls, buildings, trees, and temporary structures, so if you’re inside or near a potential obstacle, you could try changing location. Bad weather can also sometimes have an impact.

Alternatively, the problem could be with your phone, so to try and fix this, turn airplane mode on and off again. If that doesn’t help, then turn your phone off and on again. If you’re still having issues after that, charge the battery if it’s low, and install any software updates. It’s possible that one of these things could fix your problem.

And if after all that you’re still having issues, it could be worth reaching out to Tesco Mobile for help. You can do this by calling the network on 4455 from your Tesco Mobile phone, or on 0345 301 4455 from any other phone.

What other networks use Tesco Mobile’s network?

Tesco Mobile doesn’t have its own spectrum, rather it shares O2’s, so O2 itself has the same coverage, but so do Giffgaff and Sky Mobile.

Does Tesco Mobile have coverage abroad?

Tesco Mobile partners with networks abroad to ensure you can still call, text, and use data when travelling. Better yet, you can do so at no extra cost in 48 European destinations, and there’s no real fair use limit, just the understanding that you should use your phone more in the UK than abroad – though note that Tesco Mobile is currently only promising no roaming fees until 2026.

The included free roaming locations are as follows:

Austria, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guyana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Martin, St. Barts, Sweden, Switzerland and Vatican City.