Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
A new mobile virtual network operator service has just launched on the Channel Islands called Coop Mobile, which some readers might recall is partly the product of last year’s £48m deal to build a new “world-class” 5G mobile broadband network across the islands (reflecting Sure‘s acquisition rival Airtel Vodafone).
Just to recap. The original deal (here) only became possible after the States of Guernsey voted to temporarily suspend local competition law in order to allow the merger (here). The agreement required Sure to make several legally binding commitments to help protect local competition, which among other things included some pricing protection measures and a requirement to launch a new virtual mobile operator (mvno) with the Channel Island Co-Op (Coop Mobile).
The new Coop Mobile service has now gone live, offering consumers flexible SIM only price plans that customers can change month to month. In addition, customers who link their Coop membership number to their mobile account will be given a 10% discount voucher once a month that can be used on a grocery shop. A launch offer of 25% off all plans is also available until the end of April 2026.
The launch, which follows the introduction of travel eSIM products in 2025, promises to “shake up the market by offering islanders something completely different” and giving customers the freedom to change their plan when they want and get rewarded for their continued loyalty.
The service itself offers four flexible SIM only plans, with prices starting from £13.50 per month including 5GB of data (mobile broadband), unlimited calls and texts across the Channel Islands, UK and ROI.
Coop Mobile Plans (Channel Islands only)
Essential £13.50pm (£10.12 with 25% discount)
5GB DataEveryday £16.50pm (£12.37)
10GB DataExtra £19.95pm (£14.96)
15GB DataUnlimited £24.95pm (£18.71)
Unlimited Data
The pricing above is for Jersey customers, while Guernsey pricing is adjusted for tax (GST) and thus a bit different (see website).
David McGrath, Chief Marketing and Membership Officer, said:
“Following focus groups and research with islanders, we’ve made it our mission to simplify the way people buy and use mobile services. People are fed up with being tied in to get rewarded for their loyalty, and they want to be able to use apps to manage their plan.
So today, we’re changing the tired model of how mobile is done by launching four great value SIM-only plans that can be changed every month online or by using the Coop Mobile app. It’s a simple idea combining fair pricing and flexibility.
If you need more data one month you upgrade your plan, and if you want to reduce the data the next month, or take a break, you can. Our plans offer a choice of data from 5GB to unlimited, to suit individual usage and budgets, and all plans come with unlimited texts and calls.
..
Islanders told us they don’t like monthly plans that include roaming because they don’t represent good value – no one leaves the islands 12 times a year! We agree it’s nonsense to pay for something you don’t use every day, so Coop Mobile will be different. You’ll add roaming booster when you need them, with a choice of 2GB, 5GB or 10GB.”
The operator estimates that a family spending the average £112 a week on groceries could save £11 a month using the aforementioned Coop Mobile voucher. Finally, Coop Mobile will also sell a range of new and refurbished handsets in a ‘like new condition’. All phones, provided by Grade Mobile, will be available to buy from dedicated Coop Mobile touchscreens in Coop’s largest stores, or online via their website.