Shoppers who missed out on Lidl’s headline mobile offer will now have to pay more.
The supermarket giant pulled its €8.99 a month for life offer after signing up its first 100,000 customers far quicker than expected.
Lidl Connect went live on October 5 and its scintillating sign-up blitz was gone within two weeks, after customers switched in droves.
Lidl Ireland said reaching the milestone so quickly showed ‘just how strongly Irish consumers respond to genuine value’.
New customers can still join through the Lidl Plus app, but the price is now €12.99 a month, also fixed for life.
The plan includes unlimited 5G data, calls and texts, plus 50GB of EU and UK roaming data. It runs on the Eir network.
Although those who missed out on the deal may be left frustrated, there are still some incredibly cheap SIM-only deals on the market.
Here are the cheapest right now, along with what you would pay over the first 12 months.
First-year cost is based on advertised prices, checked October 18, 2026. Includes Eir’s €9.99 activation fee. All plans include unlimited data.
All seven plans include unlimited data, but the small print varies.
Lyca Mobile bills every 28 days rather than monthly, which means 13 payments a year. The 48 price rises after six months, and Eir’s plan doubles after a year unless you also take its broadband.
Eir also charges a once-off activation fee of €9.99.
Roaming allowances differ too. Lidl offers 50GB in the EU and UK, Virgin Media 37GB, GoMo 23GB and 48 20GB.
It can also pay to leave. Some networks offer cheaper deals to win back customers who switch away. One former Tesco Mobile customer was emailed a ‘return offer’ of €9.99 a month for unlimited 5G data on a 30-day contract – a cheaper option than any other plan on this list.
Before you switch, check coverage in your area on the network’s own map. Every provider on this list lets you keep your existing number.
Also check whether the price is fixed or introductory, and whether you are signing a contract or a rolling monthly plan.
