The annual Uswitch awards were recently presented at a glamorous event 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, in addition to input from the general public. Surprisingly, smaller, value-focused mobile networks emerged victorious in the 2026 Uswitch rankings.
VOXI, Tesco Mobile, Lebara, and giffgaff were standout performers, 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 topped the list as the National Broadband Provider of the Year, despite its mobile-centric reputation.
Other broadband champions included YouFibre, Plusnet, Vodafone, and Virgin Media. Ernest Doku, a telecoms expert at Uswitch, highlighted the evolving consumer preferences in 2026, emphasizing the importance of value-driven choices over mere cost considerations.
For broadband users, reliability is paramount, especially with the continued trend of remote work. The Uswitch Telecoms Awards serve as a guide for customers seeking top-value deals, with a range of providers offering competitive services tailored to various needs.
Some of the notable winners 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
– 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 shifting landscape where consumers prioritize quality and reliability alongside affordability in their telecommunications choices.