According to Tom’s Guide, Revolut is bundling a complimentary NordVPN subscription into its new UK mobile service launch. The plan offers unlimited 5G data, calls, texts, and 20GB of EU/US roaming for an introductory price of £12.50 per month. This early-bird rate is valid for customers who sign up before March 30, 2026, after which the price rises to £14.99. The service, powered by telecom provider Gigs, is rolling out now to waitlisted customers ahead of a full public launch in January 2026. Revolut’s General Manager of Telco, Hadi Nasrallah, stated the goal is to create a “truly differentiated alternative” in the UK mobile market by combining connectivity and digital privacy.
The Bundling Play
Here’s the thing: bundling a VPN with a mobile plan is a genuinely smart move. In a market where data is basically a commodity, adding a layer of privacy as a standard feature creates a point of differentiation that actually matters to people. It’s a logical next step from Revolut’s runaway success with global eSIMs, which they say is their most-used non-financial product. They’re trying to own the “digital life” stack—finance, connectivity, now security—all in one app. And look, at that introductory price, it’s a compelling package on paper. Unlimited 5G data plus a reputable VPN for £12.50? That undercuts a lot of standalone plans, even before you factor in the cost of a VPN subscription.
Skepticism and Hurdles
But let’s pump the brakes for a second. This is Revolut, a company whose core competency is fintech, not telecom. They’re acting as an agent for Gigs, which handles the backend. That’s fine, but it introduces a layer of potential complexity. Who do you call when the service drops, or your number porting gets stuck? Revolut’s customer service reputation has had its… moments. Now imagine adding mobile network issues to that mix. And while the roaming data is a nice perk, 20GB for the EU and US combined isn’t a massive amount for frequent travelers. It feels more like a teaser to get you hooked.
The Long Game and Competition
So what’s the real play here? It’s customer retention. They already have millions of UK users for banking. If they can get those same people to take their mobile number—a far more “sticky” service than a current account—they’ve locked you in tighter. The optional add-ons, like extra numbers or “VIP” numbers, are pure margin. It’s a classic ecosystem trap, but an effective one. The question is whether the UK’s established mobile networks, with their decades of infrastructure and retail presence, will just sit back. I doubt it. They can bundle too, or just compete on pure network reliability, which is something Revolut can’t directly control.
A Privacy Paradox
There’s also a slight irony in Revolut, a financial data powerhouse, offering a privacy tool like a VPN. It’s a bit like a bakery giving away diet plans. Don’t get me wrong, NordVPN is a solid service, and encrypting your mobile data traffic is a good idea, especially on public Wi-Fi. But it’s worth remembering what a VPN does and doesn’t do. It shields your activity from your internet provider and local network, but NordVPN and Revolut still have their own data relationships. The VPN protects you *out there*, not necessarily from the company bundling it. It’s a great marketing feature, but privacy-conscious users should understand the layers.
Basically, this is an aggressive and interesting market entry. If they can deliver reliable service and smooth support, it could shake up the UK’s mobile scene. But that’s a big “if.” The price is right, the bundle is clever, and the convenience factor is huge for existing Revolut fans. Just don’t expect the traditional mobile networks to take this lying down. The real battle for your digital life is just getting started.
