A closer look at call costs
Calling 02 numbers is a daily occurrence for many people, whether you’re contacting a business or a home phone. However, mobile networks have changed their pricing structures significantly in recent years, especially for ‘Pay As You Go’ customer.
In 2025, Tesco Mobile updated its tariffs and discontinued several older, cheaper PAYG plans. As a result, the cost of calling 02 numbers has increased for a large number of customers.
This guide provides the latest pricing, explains the changes and helps you understand what you might pay today.
Are 02 numbers included in Tesco Mobile calls?
For most pay-monthly customers, calls to standard landline numbers (including 01, 02 & 03) remain inclusive as long as you still have minutes left. Once your allowance is used, you move to Tesco Mobile’s out-of-bundle rate.
For PAYG customers, particularly those migrated from older tariffs such as the ‘Lite’ plan, there has been a major change. Tesco Mobile has replaced its legacy PAYG plans with a single, more expensive tariff called Pay As You Go Essentials, and this has pushed call costs upward.
Tesco Mobile 02 Number Call Costs (Accurate for 2025)
| Tesco Mobile Tariff | Included? | Cost to Call 02 Numbers (if not included) |
| Pay Monthly | Included while allowance remains | 25p per minute |
| Pay Monthly (out of allowance) | — | 25p per minute |
| PAYG Essentials (2025 tariff) | Not included | 25p per minute + 10p connection charge (billed per second) |
| Older PAYG tariffs (Lite, Rocket Packs) | Discontinued | Customers automatically moved to Essentials |
What changed in 2025?
Tesco Mobile’s transition to the PAYG Essentials tariff has been one of the most significant pricing updates in recent years. Customers previously on the Lite Plan (which charged as little as 8p per minute) now pay more than triple the old rate. Texts and other usage charges have also risen.
These changes stem from wider industry trends. Networks are phasing out older tariffs as they retire 3G services and adjust their pricing structures to reflect increased operating costs. Tesco Mobile is not the only provider doing this, but the jump in price has been especially noticeable for customers who made only occasional calls and relied on low-cost PAYG.
Understanding Tesco’s Out-of-Bundle Rates
If you’re on a pay-monthly plan, calling a standard UK number such as an 02 landline is typically free as long as you have minutes left.
However, once you run out, calls are charged at Tesco’s standard out-of-bundle rate of 25p per minute. While this rate is straightforward, heavy phone users often find it worthwhile to upgrade to a plan with higher allowances to avoid surprise charges.
PAYG customers must also be aware of the 10p connection fee added at the start of each call. This means even a short call costs more than many expect, especially compared with the pre-2025 Lite tariff.
Legislative & Regulatory Context
Ofcom’s regulations continue to ensure that calls to geographic numbers (01, 02) remain classed as “standard rate” calls. This means providers cannot set these numbers as premium-rate services, and they must be included in bundles where applicable.
However, providers remain free to price out-of-bundle and PAYG calls as they wish. Tesco Mobile’s 2025 changes fall entirely within regulation but represent a noticeable shift that customers need to be aware of, especially those not on a monthly plan.
Should you switch tariffs?
With PAYG rates now much higher, many customers are beginning to evaluate whether pay-monthly or monthly bundles provide better value. If you regularly call landlines (such as 02 numbers) you may save significantly by switching to a small monthly plan instead of paying 25p per minute plus connection charges.
Even occasional callers who make multiple short calls could benefit from changing tariffs, as the new connection charge on PAYG can quickly add up.
Final overview
In 2025, calling an 02 number on Tesco Mobile is generally straightforward: it’s included in most monthly plans, but can be costly for PAYG users due to the network’s new Essentials Tariff. If you’re unsure what plan you’re on or you’ve noticed higher charges than expected, it’s worth checking your account – especially if you were previously on the Lite plan.
Understanding these changes ensures you avoid unexpected costs and helps you choose the most economical option for your calling habits.
For more info on regional phone numbers call 0330 332 0400.
