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We explain what's the same and what's different in Lyca and 1p's coverage, 4G/5G data speeds and extra features like WiFi calling. Lastupdated:22ndFebruary2024
Comparing their networks
How coverage compares on 1pMobile vs Lyca Mobile
Which 5G/4G/3G/2G signal differences are there between the two networks?
✔ They use the same network, but 4G is stronger on 1pMobile
1pMobile and LycaMobile both use EE’s network for call (3G/2G) and 4G/5G data signal, but coverage isn’t identical between the two. Lyca are a bit worse than 1pMobile for 4G coverage.
This is because Lyca don’t get access to EE’s band 20 4G masts, which are the ones used to broadcast 4G into rural areas. 1pMobile do get access to these, meaning their 4G coverage is generally better.
However, call signal is identical between the two networks. That’s a good thing for them as 3G and 2G are fairly widespread on their hosts’ network, but indoor call signal can be a bit of a weakness.
In all, while both networks benefit massively from being on EE’s network, 1pMobile come out ahead in terms of 4G coverage. Either way, it’s a good idea to use either networks’ coverage checkers here before joining.
Useful link: 1pMobile’s signal map | Lyca Mobile’s signal map
✔ 5G coverage is identical on both networks
Both Lyca Mobile and 1pMobile get full access to EE’s excellent 5G network. You’ll get 5G in the same 336+ UK towns and cities on both providers. But how good is coverage within these locations?
Since their hosts only claim a location as covered once 5G is available in 50% of its area, coverage tends to be excellent. It also means there are more 5G locations than are listed, just with worse coverage.
Unlike with 4G, Lyca Mobile get identical 5G coverage to 1pMobile. They’re not missing access to any of their hosts 5G masts, so you don’t have to worry about getting an inferior experience for this.
In all, both networks benefit massively from getting access to EE’s 5G network. Check both networks’ coverage maps below to see if your area has 5G live and how good coverage is on either network.
Useful link: Our guide to the best 5G networks
Use a coverage checker before you join
Check signal at home and other places you'll use your mobile
Our verdict on coverage:
Small technical win for 1pMobile
"1pMobile just beat Lyca here as 4G coverage will be noticeably better on 1p, especially in the countryside. It’s a shame Lyca don’t get full 4G access, but other than that they’re still a great option, 1pMobile are just a bit better."
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Data speeds on 1pMobile and Lyca Mobile
Are there any speed differences between Lyca and 1pMobile?
✔ 4G data speeds are identical on both networks
Neither network has any built in speed limits vs being on EE directly, so you’ll get identical speeds on both. That’s certainly a good thing for 4G, as they’re on the fastest network for 4G data speeds.
According to network testers Opensignal, their hosts offer typical 4G data speeds of 40 Mbps. In our experience, we reached speeds up to 130+ Mbps in the city centre and went as low as 5 or 6 Mbps in the countryside.
Their peak speeds are much faster than other networks. And their lowest speeds are still healthier than what you’d get on other networks, being fast enough to stream HD video without much buffering.
In all, both networks are equally good when it comes to 4G data speeds and much better than the other networks. It’s definitely the best part of EE’s network, and both providers offer it at much better prices.
Useful link: Our 1pMobile review | Our LycaMobile review
✔ 5G data speeds are also identical on both networks
Just like with 4G, both providers get identical 5G data speeds as their host network. We use results from independent network testers Opensignal and Speedtest by Ookla to see what 5G speeds typically look like.
They measured typical 5G speeds between 99.5Mbps - 108.91Mbps on both providers’ hosts, with peak speeds reaching 272.77. Those are healthy speeds and should be fast enough for most users.
However, their results have gone down by quite a lot in recent reports compared to what they used to be. They’re now in joint-third place for 5G speeds, so they’re not the ideal choice for heavy data users.
But the 5G picture is always changing and we could see their typical speeds improve again with time. For now, 5G is an improvement over 4G for speeds, but nothing that other networks can’t compete with.
Useful link: Our guide to the best 5G networks
Our verdict on data speeds:
Draw
"There are no differences when it comes to the speeds you’ll get on either network. It’s a common misconception that budget networks offer an inferior network experience and both 1p and Lyca prove that it’s not true.”
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WiFi calling on Lyca Mobile and 1pMobile
Which provider has better WiFi calling and other extra network features?
✔ 1pMobile’s WiFi calling is excellent, Lyca don’t have it
As we said above, you’re more likely to run into indoor calling blackspots on Lyca or 1p than on some networks. This is where WiFi calling comes in handy, letting you connect to calls and texts with WiFi signal.
1pMobile have an excellent scheme that worked with most devices we tested. They also support 4G calling which does the same as WiFi calling with 4G and we could switch from a WiFi to a 4G call without it dropping.
Lyca Mobile unfortunately don’t offer WiFi calling at all. That can be frustrating if you struggle to get call signal in your home. But, in terms of extra features Lyca do offer eSIMs which is something 1p don’t.
Both networks let you tether with no limits. Apart from that, both networks are thin on the ground when it comes to extra network features. To be fair, that is what we’d expect from most networks.
Useful link: Our guide to the best WiFi calling networks
Our verdict on extra network features:
1pMobile win
"Between them only 1pMobile offer WiFi calling, which in our eyes is the most important extra network feature to have. Lyca having eSIMs is nice, but it just doesn’t make up for the lack of WiFi calling. 1p take this one."
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