Lycamobile UK: Is This the Cheapest SIM Only Deal in 2026?
If you live in the UK and regularly check your bank account after payday, you know that mobile bills can be a pain. While the "Big Four" networks push prices up with inflation, Lycamobile UK has quietly positioned itself as the go-to provider for customers who want genuinely cheap data and low-cost international calling.
But is it too good to be true? We tested the network, analysed the plans, and looked at the real-world coverage to help you decide if you should make the switch.
What is Lycamobile?
Lycamobile is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that runs on the O2 network. They are headquartered in London and are specifically known for catering to multicultural communities and frequent international callers.
While they started as a niche player for immigrants calling home, they have exploded in popularity among students and savvy savers looking for the cheapest SIM only deals in the UK.
Lycamobile UK Plans: Breaking Down the Value
Unlike EE or Vodafone, Lycamobile doesn’t lock you into 24-month contracts with "free" smartphones. Instead, they focus on SIM-only flexibility. Here is how their current lineup looks:
1. Pay As You Go (PAYG)
Lycamobile’s PAYG is legendary for one reason: 1p per MB. Unlike other networks that charge £1 for a tiny 25MB bundle, Lycamobile lets you use data at a penny per megabyte.
UK Calls: 5p/min
UK Texts: 2p/text
Data: 1p/MB
Best for: Emergency data users and very light callers.
2. The "Gold" Plans (30-Day Rolling)
These are their bread-and-butter plans. They are 30-day rolling SIMs that auto-renew but can be cancelled anytime.
£7.90 Plan: 2GB Data + 500 Mins + Unlimited Texts
£10.90 Plan: 8GB Data + 1000 Mins + Unlimited Texts
£15.90 Plan: 25GB Data + Unlimited Mins & Texts
£20.90 Plan: 100GB Data + Unlimited Mins & Texts
The Highlight: Almost every plan includes 1000 international minutes. This is massive if you frequently call Poland, India, Romania, or Bangladesh.
The "Catch": Is Lycamobile Reliable?
You can’t talk about Lycamobile UK without addressing the elephant in the room: the customer service reputation.
If you read Trustpilot, you will see a split personality. Users either love the low prices or hate the automated support system. Here is the honest truth:
The Good:
Network: O2 coverage is solid in major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. You get 4G+ and 5G access.
Data Rollover: Some plans allow unused data to roll over for one month.
International: No one beats their international rates without a bolt-on.
The Bad:
Support: There is no live chat. You have to call a premium rate line or use Twitter.
MMS Issues: Some users report issues sending picture messages on non-Apple devices.
Verdict: If you are tech-savvy and don't need to call customer service every week, the savings are absolutely worth it.
Lycamobile vs. Giffgaff vs. Lebara
It’s easy to confuse Lycamobile with Giffgaff (O2) or Lebara (Vodafone). Here is the quick comparison:
vs Giffgaff: Lycamobile is usually cheaper for high-data users. Giffgaff has better community support.
vs Lebara: Lebara is better for EU roaming. Lycamobile is better for dirt-cheap UK plans.
How to Get Started
Switching to Lycamobile is painless thanks to Ofcom’s texting service.
Order a Free SIM: You can order one from their website or grab one at a Tesco or corner shop.
Activate Online: Go to the Lycamobile UK activation portal.
PAC Code: Text PAC to 65075 to get your code from your old provider, then give it to Lycamobile.
Top Up: You must top up at least £10 to activate most bundles.
Final Verdict
Should you switch to Lycamobile UK?
Yes, if: You want the lowest possible price, you make international calls, and you are happy managing your account via an app rather than a phone call.
No, if: You travel to the EU often (roaming is limited compared to competitors) or you require in-depth technical support.
For the price of a coffee and a sandwich, you can get 25GB of data and unlimited calls. In the current cost-of-living crisis, that makes Lycamobile one of the smartest choices on the UK high street.
Disclaimer: Prices correct as of October 2026. Always check the Lycamobile UK website for the latest promotions.
