Lidl Connect vs An Post Mobile

Is Lidl Connect cheaper than An Post Mobile?

Over a first year, yes, by €78.12. An Post Mobile's Totally Unlimited costs €18 every 28 days, €234 in the first year. Lidl Connect costs €12.99 a month with no activation fee, €155.88 a year, at its official price. An Post's 13 payments a year make up part of the gap.

These figures use each provider's own published price, checked on 2026-10-10. Lidl Connect is shown at €12.99, the only price in 1GLOBAL's price list; the press reported a lower launch price for the first customers, which this comparison does not assume.

An Post Mobile charges every 28 days, which is 13 payments a year rather than 12. The yearly figure above counts all 13.

What does An Post Mobile give you that Lidl Connect does not?

An Post Mobile has no contract and no minimum term, and it runs on Vodafone's network, which may serve your area better than eir. Its plans are sold at post offices as well as online. ComReg has enforced its refund rules, and An Post Mobile has refunded credit to customers who left.

• No minimum term: the agreement ends when your number moves.
• Vodafone's network.
• Sold in post offices.

Is An Post Mobile's network the same as Lidl Connect's?

No. ComReg lists An Post Mobile on Vodafone's network; Lidl Connect runs on eir's. Check eir's coverage at home and work on ComReg's outdoor coverage map before you move. Clear Mobile also runs on Vodafone if you want to stay on that network.

Lidl Connect runs on eir. Before you move from a provider on a different network, check eir's coverage at home and at work on ComReg's outdoor coverage map ↗.

How do you switch from An Post Mobile to Lidl Connect on prepay?

Start the switch in Lidl Plus. An Post Mobile's terms say your cash balance is lost the moment the port completes unless you ask for it: email [email protected] within three months of switching. An administration fee "may apply", with no amount stated. Only the balance you put on the account is refundable.

1. Decide what to do with your credit

   The cash balance is lost when the port completes, unless you ask for a refund. Bonus credit: only the cash balance “you have put on your account” is refundable.

2. Know whether your number is registered

   Your mobile number, and whether your prepay number is registered (your old provider has your name and address); no account number is needed.

3. Start the move in Lidl Plus

   Choose to keep your number when you sign up. The agreement ends on completion of porting; there is no minimum term.

4. Keep your old SIM in

   Keep your old SIM in your phone until the move is done: a verification code is sent to it by text.

5. Claim your credit after the move

   How: email [email protected]. Deadline: within 3 months of switching. Fee: “an administration fee may apply” (amount not stated). More on unused credit.

What do you lose when you leave An Post Mobile?

You lose whatever is left of your current 28-day plan and any credit you do not claim. An Post Mobile has no contract, so there is no exit fee and no price rise to escape. It says service updates are coming in 2026, which may change its terms.

• Whatever is left of your current 28-day plan.
• Price changes on An Post Mobile: An Post Mobile does not state an annual price change.

What else should An Post Mobile customers know before moving?

For An Post Mobile customers, claim your balance in writing within three months: ComReg has acted on this before. Count 13 payments a year when comparing prices. An Post Mobile is also replacing SIMs issued before September 2025, so check your SIM if you stay.

An Post Mobile's code of practice and complaints process: www.anpost.com ↗. An Post Mobile customer charter and complaints code.

• In March 2025 ComReg announced that An Post Mobile refunded over €25,000 of credit left on accounts that had ported away.
• An Post Mobile Totally Unlimited is €18 every 28 days: 13 top-ups, €234 a year.
• An Post Mobile runs on Vodafone’s network; Lidl Connect runs on eir’s.
• An Post Mobile says service updates are coming in 2026 and asks holders of SIMs from before September 2025 to order a free replacement.

What did ComReg do about An Post Mobile credit?

In March 2025 ComReg announced that An Post Mobile had refunded over €25,000 to customers, for "excess credit remaining on accounts that have ported away". It is the clearest public example of the refund rule being enforced in Ireland, and a reason to ask for your balance in writing if you leave.