The mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) has removed the £2.50 monthly premium it previously charged for 4G service.

It follows the Three network, which started offering free 4G in December.

Tesco Mobile prices start from £7.50 a month for a 4G SIM Only tariff that gives 250 minutes, 5,000 texts and 500MB data,

Rob Kerr, mobiles expert at uSwitch.com, said: “Tesco’s free 4G offering on SIM-only plans is a good option for anyone wanting to try out 4G without having to commit to a long-term contract. However, it’s more than likely you’ll need to invest in a new 4G-enabled device to take advantage – and these start from around £170.

“Being an entry-level offer, the data allowance with the £7.50 monthly contract isn’t hugely generous. Anyone who takes advantage of premium-free 4G will have to keep an eye on how quickly they’re racing towards their limit.

“At the moment Three is the only other network set to offer 4G without a premium – but Tesco has pipped it to the post and is also the first MVNO to give the mobile giants a run for their money. And with Tesco’s brand power and the same coverage as O2, it could force the hand of the bigger networks to continue making 4G more affordable across the board. The big question is, how low will they go?”