You can save a lot with a virtual mobile operator or with Iliad, but the price is not the only element to consider. More expensive operators can have more GB, minutes and sms, additional services, more extensive customer support, the ability to save on the purchase of a smartphone. And in some special cases they too offer ultra low cost rates.
A balance is in a recent study by the SosTariffe.it observatory, which evaluates the pros and cons of virtual ones. Iliad is not virtual but has similar tariff characteristics.
Strengths of virtuals
The price game is generally won by the virtual ones. Only a virtual can have prices under 6 euros per month. Like Spusu, on the Wind Tre network, € 5.98 per month for 50 GB, 2 thousand minutes and 500 text messages. Always competitive Iliad, € 7.99 for 50 GB, unlimited minutes and text messages.
With other operators normally exceed 12-13 euros per month.
Weaknesses of virtuals
Among the weak points, SosTariffe cites the absence of dedicated shops in the area, the lack of mobile phones included (Iliad, however, has some, even if fewer models than the large operators).
Those who want the best, with unlimited GB, minutes even when roaming outside Europe and international calls, must turn to traditional operators. Furthermore, now only Iliad (with a reduced network compared to the three main operators) and Fastweb (on the WindTre network) have 5G.
Some virtual operators, Kena (by Tim), Very Mobile and ho, also limit the maximum achievable speed to 30 Mbps.
Apart from this, the connection speed on a virtual can be lower than that obtainable by a user of the corresponding traditional operator. A matter known to the experts (as also confirmed by sources close to Agcom, to which over the years the virtuals have forwarded several complaints about it).
The “operator attack” tariffs
Finally, more experienced users may be able to get special offers from traditional operators, at prices of 7-8 euros per month with 50-100 GB included (at this stage). These are the so-called “operator attacks” aimed at those who leave a virtual or Iliad. They are hidden: they are not found on official websites, but are available in some shops or through call centers.
In some cases the speed is reduced, however, with these offers.
Even virtual ones can have these types of offers, with the difference that they advertise them on their sites. For example, for those who leave certain operators, there is an offer at 4.99 euros per month with Very Mobile, by Wind Tre, 30 GB, minutes and unlimited calls; 5.99 euros per month with ho. by Vodafone (70 GB, unlimited minutes and calls).
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