Monzo Launches Mobile Service to Expand Brand Reach

Digital bank Monzo is adding mobile connectivity to its app ecosystem through a partnership with Virgin Media O2 and 1GLOBAL.

Monzo is launching a mobile phone service that will operate within its banking app. The neobank plans to introduce Monzo Mobile this summer as an eSIM-based offering that targets its 14 million personal customers.

The move could position mobile connectivity as a customer engagement tool rather than just a service add-on. Monzo Mobile will provide three flexible plans that users can upgrade or cancel without fixed-term contracts.

The service will allow customers to track mobile spending and data usage within the Monzo app. This approach mirrors the bank's existing product design, which centres on spending visibility and user control.

The strategy could create a new customer touchpoint for the brand while opening revenue streams beyond traditional banking products.

Partnership with Virgin Media O2

Virgin Media O2 will provide the network infrastructure through a multi-year exclusive partnership. The telecoms operator's network offers nationwide 5G coverage backed by £700m (US$937.2m) in upgrades scheduled for this year.

Paul O'Sullivan, Director of Wholesale Mobile at Virgin Media O2, says: "This partnership underlines the strength of the O2 network and our position as the UK's trusted host of choice for MVNOs.

"Our unrivalled record helping partners launch and scale, alongside continued investment to upgrade and expand our mobile network, will enable us to support Monzo Mobile with ever-improving services."

The collaboration positions Virgin Media O2 as the infrastructure provider while Monzo controls the customer experience and brand presentation. This model allows the neobank to enter the telecoms market without building its own network.

International roaming through 1GLOBAL

Monzo has partnered with 1GLOBAL to deliver international connectivity across more than 200 destinations. The platform provider offers access to more than 600 networks worldwide.

Hakan Koç, Founder and CEO of 1GLOBAL, says: "This partnership shows that mobile offerings can be key differentiators and growth drivers for digital businesses.

"At 1GLOBAL, we help digital champions like Monzo turbocharge their customer experience by embedding global connectivity directly into their service.

"Through our expansive international roaming infrastructure, Monzo customers can stay connected across more than 200 destinations – managed entirely within the Monzo app."

The global infrastructure enables Monzo to offer a unified eSIM experience for customers who travel frequently. This functionality could strengthen the bank's value proposition for its target demographic.

Brand extension into daily services

Duygu Yenidogan-Schmidt, General Manager of Core Banking at Monzo, says: "Monzo Mobile is a natural extension of our mission to make money work for everyone.

"By bringing mobile connectivity into the Monzo app through a simple eSIM experience, we're giving customers more visibility and control over another essential part of their everyday spending.

"Partnering with 1GLOBAL and Virgin Media O2 allows us to deliver a reliable, flexible and high-quality service, while continuing to build products that are simple, transparent and designed around our customers' needs."

The service design contrasts with traditional telecom contract models by offering no hidden fees and monthly flexibility. Customers will see roaming costs and data usage alongside their banking transactions in a single interface.

This consolidation could increase app engagement while embedding the Monzo brand deeper into customers' routines.

The approach treats mobile connectivity as a customer retention mechanism rather than a standalone product category.