Head to head: iPhone on O2 vs Vodafone

Oddly, we noted that Vodafone has the cheek to state that you get unlimited Wi-Fi' at home, as if it has something to do with you using your own home or office Wi-Fi connection.

The other extra you have to pay for its tethering' where you can use your iPhone as a modem to get your laptop online. While this is free on other devices, all networks charge extra if you use an iPhone. O2 was forced to drop its prices in response to the arrival of Orange, and charges 10 for 3GB a month and 30 a month for 10GB.

By comparison Vodafone has slightly more flexibility, charging 5 for 500MB, 10 for 1.5GB, and 15 for 3GB. So it's more expensive like-for-like, but if your tethered use is low, it's cheaper.

Customisation

The power of the Apple brand is such that no network in the UK is able to place its own logo on the phone or mess with the interface, so whether you choose to get a black or white iPhone, they'll be identical on all networks.

Benny Har-Even

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.