Asda Mobile
{{Short description|British virtual network operator}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Asda Mobile
| logo = Asda Mobile New 2024.jpeg
| logo_size = 200px
| type = Subsidiary
| foundation = {{Start date and age|2007}}
| location = Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
| key_people =
| area_served = United Kingdom
| industry = Telecommunications
| parent = Asda (2007–present)
| owner =
| products = Mobile Telecommunications Products
Services
| revenue =
| homepage = {{URL|http://mobile.asda.com}}
}}
File:Asda_SIM_from_Vodaphone_2022.jpg
Asda Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the United Kingdom operated by Asda and using the Vodafone network. Asda Mobile is available in over 360 stores across the UK and online through purchasing either a SIM card (standard, micro or nano SIM) or through an Asda Mobile handset.
History
Asda Mobile was founded in 2007,{{cite web |date=16 April 2011 |title=Mobile Network Comparison – ASDA Mobile |url=http://mobilenetworkcomparison.org.uk/reviews/asda/ |access-date=4 December 2023}} and was only available in 51 of Asda's stores at first.{{cite web |author=Staff Writer |date=8 May 2007 |title=Asda mobile: New pay-as-you-go service at Asda prices |url=https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/asda-mobile-new-pay-as-you-go-service-at-asda-prices-08-05-2007/ |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=Talking Retail }} The network was launched in response to lack of transparency among other retailers about their mobile offers and was directly competing with Tesco Mobile.{{cite web |title=Asda takes on Tesco as mobile network operator |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/asda-takes-tesco-mobile-network-operator/644573 |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk }}{{cite web |date=4 June 2007 |title=Asda signs with Vodafone for MVNO |url=https://www.commsbusiness.co.uk/content/feature/asda-signs-with-vodafone-for-mvno/ |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=Comms Business }}
The network originally running on Vodafone infrastructure until 2013, when it switched to EE.{{cite web |date=15 October 2020 |title=Asda Mobile returns to Vodafone UK network |url=https://www.telcotitans.com/vodafonewatch/asda-mobile-returns-to-vodafone-uk-network/2392.article |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=telcotitans}} A return to Vodafone was announced in October 2020, with customers being switched over in February 2021.
In June 2023, Asda Mobile's network operator Vodafone began phasing out 3G coverage.{{cite web |date=10 May 2023 |title=Find out how networks like Three and Vodafone phasing out 3G services affects you |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23512855.3g-mobile-services-phased-across-uk/ |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=Bournemouth Echo }}
Coverage and network
Asda Mobile previously used the EE network before reverting to Vodafone in 2021.{{cite web |date=22 March 2021 |title=Vodafone UK welcomes Asda Mobile customers |url=https://newscentre.vodafone.co.uk/news/vodafone-uk-welcomes-asda-mobile-customers/ |access-date=28 December 2021 |website=ewscentre.vodafone.co.uk}} The move brought additional features, including WiFi Calling and unlimited data plans,{{cite web |date=15 October 2020 |title=New bundles and functionality coming to Asda Mobile in 2021 with Vodafone network switch |url=https://mobile.asda.com/scoop/vodafone-network-switch-2021 |access-date=13 February 2021 |website=Asda Mobile}} but was criticised for requiring customers to switch sim cards.{{cite web |last=Mason |first=Callum |date=24 March 2021 |title=Asda Mobile customers need to order a new Sim to keep using handsets after it switched to 'piggybacking' off Vodafone's network |url=https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2021/03/asda-mobile-to-switch-to-using-vodafone-network---you-need-to-ta/ |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=MoneySavingExpert.com}} During the switch, customers were provided with a free month for their bundle.{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Mark |date=26 March 2021 |title=SIM Swap Causes Annoyance for UK ASDA Mobile Customers |url=https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2021/03/sim-swap-causes-annoyance-for-uk-asda-mobile-customers.html |access-date=4 December 2023 |website=ISPreview UK }}
Asda Mobile currently has no fees to customers for the use of roaming in EU countries with a fair usage data cap of 5GB.{{Cite web |last=Symons |first=Angela |date=2023-08-10 |title=EU roaming charges: How much does it cost to use your phone in Europe? |url=https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/08/10/eu-roaming-charges-how-much-does-it-cost-to-use-your-phone-in-europe |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Euronews}}{{Cite web |title=Revealed: The hidden cost of using your phone in Europe – here's which providers offer truly free roaming and how to avoid getting stung |url=https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2023/07/mobile-roaming-data-fair-use-cap-europe/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=MoneySavingExpert.com |language=en-GB}}
Awards
Asda Mobile was awarded the Which? award for "Best Mobile Network" for 2010, 2011 and 2012, and was recommended in 2016. Asda Mobile was also named as a Which? recommended provider for 2019 and 2018. Awards were based on coverage, pricing and customer service.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://mobile.asda.com/ Official Website]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070822010804/http://www.asda-mobile.com/ Old Website]
{{UK mobile phone companies}}
{{Telecommunications industry in the United Kingdom}}
{{Walmart}}
Category:Mobile virtual network operators
Category:British companies established in 2007
Category:Telecommunications companies established in 2007