Tesco Mobile, operating as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on O2’s UK network, is rolling out significant changes to its Pay As You Go (PAYG) service. The operator has begun moving all existing PAYG customers onto its newly launched Essentials tariff, a shift that has left some long-standing users unsettled.

Customers are receiving text messages confirming the migration, which is happening between 7 October and 2 November. To smooth the transition, Tesco Mobile is offering each customer a free 30-day bundle, selected based on their typical usage. For light users, an “exclusive” £2.50 starter bundle is being recommended, offering 100 MB of data, 100 minutes, and 100 texts.

The Essentials tariff replaces older PAYG options such as Rocket Packs, Triple Credit, and Lite plans, many of which had been popular for years. The new structure is more closely aligned with low-commitment monthly bundles, with allowances resetting every 30 days and auto-renewing by default if there’s enough balance.

The Essentials PAYG bundles include:

• £30 – 100GB data + unlimited calls and texts
• £20 – 50GB
• £15 – 25GB
• £10 – 10GB
• £5 – 500MB + 500 calls and texts
• £2.50 (exclusive offer for light users) – 100MB + 100 minutes & texts

Alongside the tariff update, Tesco Mobile has launched a new PAYG app designed to manage bundles and top-ups. Customers still on older plans will need to continue using the legacy app, which has been renamed accordingly.

The migration also means some older features are disappearing. E top-up cards, favourite numbers, and stored card details for auto top-ups will no longer be supported. Inactive customers who do not use their phone for six months or more risk being disconnected. Additionally, anyone still using a 2G SIM will need to upgrade to 4G to keep their number active.

While the operator says the changes modernize its PAYG offering, the move has drawn criticism from customers who preferred the simplicity of the old Lite plans for emergency use. Industry-wide, there is a clear trend of networks shifting away from traditional PAYG and nudging users toward bundle-based, no-contract plans.

Important tip: customers should avoid buying a new bundle during their first free 30-day period, as doing so will wipe out any unused allowances.