The annual Uswitch awards were recently presented at a glamorous event held in London’s Canary Wharf, revealing some unexpected winners. These accolades are determined by a panel of esteemed judges, including Mirror Online’s Technology Editor, as well as input from the general public. Surprisingly, smaller, value-focused mobile networks emerged victorious in the 2026 Uswitch rankings, overshadowing larger competitors.
Among the standout performers were platforms like VOXI, Tesco Mobile, Lebara, and giffgaff, clinching titles such as Mobile Network of the Year, Best Mobile Network for Customer Service, and Best Mobile Network for Roaming. In the broadband category, EE surprisingly secured the top position, receiving the National Broadband Provider of the Year award, despite being better known for its mobile services.
Other broadband champions included YouFibre, Plusnet, Vodafone, and Virgin Media. According to Ernest Doku, a telecommunications expert at Uswitch, in 2026, consumers are prioritizing the best value for their money rather than just the lowest price, as evidenced by the success of smaller mobile providers at the awards.
For broadband services, reliability is paramount, especially for those working from home. The Uswitch Telecoms Awards aim to guide customers in finding the best deals, whether they prioritize value for money or other specific requirements, with numerous providers offering exceptional value and service.
Here are some of the notable winners from the Uswitch awards:
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
– 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
The awards reflect the changing landscape of consumer preferences and the evolving demands for quality and reliability in telecommunications services.