The annual Uswitch awards were recently presented at a glamorous ceremony in London’s Canary Wharf, revealing some unexpected winners. These awards are determined by a panel of esteemed judges, including Mirror Online’s Technology Editor, in addition to input from the public. Surprisingly, smaller mobile networks focused on value emerged as the standout winners in the 2026 Uswitch rankings.
VOXI, Tesco Mobile, Lebara, and giffgaff excelled, securing accolades such as Mobile Network of the Year, Best Mobile Network for Customer Service, and Best Mobile Network for Roaming.
In a twist, EE, known for its mobile services, claimed the title of National Broadband Provider of the Year, surpassing expectations. Other broadband champions included YouFibre, Plusnet, Vodafone, and Virgin Media.
Ernest Doku, a telecoms expert at Uswitch, highlighted a shift in consumer priorities towards seeking optimal returns on investment rather than just the lowest prices in 2026. The success of smaller mobile providers underscores customers’ preference for networks offering great value.
Reliability is paramount for broadband users, especially those working from home. The Uswitch Telecoms Awards aim to assist customers in finding the most suitable deals, catering to varying needs and preferences with numerous providers offering excellent value and service.
The winners in various categories include:
BEST BROADBAND:
– National Broadband Provider of the Year: EE
– Regional Broadband Provider of the Year: YouFibre
– Best Broadband Provider for Customer Service: Plusnet
– Best Value for Money Broadband Provider: Vodafone
– Most Reliable Broadband Provider: Virgin Media
– Most Popular Broadband Provider: Vodafone
BEST MOBILE:
– Mobile Network of the Year: VOXI
– Best Mobile Network for Customer Service: Tesco
– Best Mobile Network for Data: VOXI
– Best Mobile Network for Roaming: Lebara
– Best Mobile Handset Contract Network: giffgaff
– Best Mobile Network for Perks: Three
– Fastest Mobile Network Overall: EE