They're all as bad as each other.
I remember in the late 90s when Vodafone were seen as the best - almost the de facto choice for any business users.
Fast forward 15 years and we're at a point where every provider is as bad as each other.
My "solution" - which is definitely a step backwards but works for me - was to take out a cheap EE contract a few years ago. It's now expired which means I could terminate it without being locked into months and months of payments. But it (just about) meets my needs and is cheap (about 12 quid a month). For me, the "winning" company is the one who I never have to speak to. With EE I've been lucky in that I haven't had to call their customer services at all this year, and that to me is really the selling point - that I don't have to interact with them. As I said, feels very backwards, but that's what I want.
I use WiFi wherever possible to conserve a relatively small data allowance and make full use of the call limit. I buy a new handset SIM-free whenever I want. Currently got a Lumia, which isn't great, but again does the job.
To me, a mobile service I'd consider worthwhile would be one which:
1. Doesn't lock you in to ridiculous length contracts (anything over 12 months = piss off).
2. I never have to speak to your customer service team (because there should never be any problems which warrants this).
3. Costs a sensible price, e.g. 20 - 30 quid a month, with a relatively decent handset.
That's it. Is it really that hard???
The bottom line is that there is no real alternative or competition since all of the major players are as bad as each other.
Being a mobile user in the UK, is pretty depressing at the moment! No innovation, no competition, crap service.
Rant over.
PS - This fine Vodafone have recieved is about the equivalent of 10 pence for you or I. Absolute joke.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
