GiffGaff - a network run by customers

Launched in 2009, GiffGaff is a mobile provider that offers unique mobile subscriptions, that allow you to purchase your mobile or simply buy a SIM on its own.

When the service first launched, its only initial product was a prepaid sim card that serviced both 2G and 3G phones. This soon blossomed into a service which offered “Goodybags”: Subscriptions full of minutes, texts and data that you can buy one month at a time. 

These days, GiffGaff are an award-winning provider, winning Network of the Year at the uSwitch Telecom Awards in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

How does GiffGaff work?

GiffGaff is a mobile virtual network operator, which means they do not own the wireless network infrastructure that is used to provide service to their customers, instead using O2’s network.

With GiffGaff, you can get the full package with a phone and plan or opt simply for a SIM-only plan, and all their plans come with unlimited UK calls and texts.

Their flexible plans are designed to work for you as the customer. You can choose between pay-as-you-go, monthly rolling or flexible 18-month contracts that can all be customised whenever you want.

PAYG plans are easy and free to get set up. You start by ordering a free SIM card, then you can choose which plan you want. It’s as straightforward as that.

GiffGaff network provider

As mentioned, GiffGaff uses O2’s award-winning network, which is one of the UK’s most powerful and reliable networks.

They provide 4G to over 99% of the nation and are on target to cover 50% of the UK with 5G.

GiffGaff benefits

• Award-winning network
• Flexible plans to suit you
• Powered by O2’s powerful & reliable network
• No mid-contract price rises on 18-month contracts
• Great value on all plans
• Engaging community
• EU Roaming included up to 5GB

GiffGaff SIM-only – Goodybags

GiffGaff’s SIM-only plans can also be known as a goodybag. It is a subscription that contains a set amount of data. Goodybags last for one calendar month and can be used while you're in the UK, the EU and other selected countries. 

If you’re on a PAYG plan, at the end of the month, you’ll need to hop online to choose your next plan. That doesn’t mean it has to be a different plan, though. You can simply choose the plan you were on the month prior and carry on as you were!

With a goodybag, you choose what sort of plan you want (18-month contract, monthly rolling or PAYG) and how much data you want. That’s it!

Your SIM card will be 5G ready and you can change your plan whenever you’d like. GiffGaff will even help you save money by recommending the best plan for you, even if that means you spending less.

GiffGaff customer service

GiffGaff doesn’t have a call centre, so there is no direct contact number. Instead, they have an engaging community that is always online and happy to help.

They have a knowledge base that contains support articles and answers to some of the most common questions or issues.

If you want more help, you can ask a question to the community which is typically answered in a matter of minutes.

Or if you really want to speak to someone directly, you can get in touch with one of their super smart agents.

GiffGaff - What we think

GiffGaff is a fantastic provider that puts you as the customer first. Their pricing structures are well balanced and rival all their competitors, and while they don’t have a direct customer service number to call, there is enough support there to help with anything you need.

Their range of options makes for a fully customisable plan that suits your needs, which is what really sets them apart from other providers who offer generic plans to everyone.

If you’re opting for a phone and plan option, you can choose the very latest mobiles available. It will be delivered free of charge and will come unlocked, making it a great deal all around.

With everything about their plans being flexible, you never have to worry about being tied down into something that you may regret at a later point.

And most of all, you can rely on them as a provider and their network to come through for you whenever you need it!