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Three – A reliable network with great customer benefits

Three is one of the UK’s top mobile network providers, offering a fantastic and reliable service with competitive pricing and a focus on their customers.

As part of the ‘big four’, Three offers their services to over 10.3 million subscribers, delivering the UK’s fastest 5G network with 99% nationwide coverage on 4G.

How does Three work?

Along with O2, Vodafone and EE, Three makes up part of the ‘big four’ - the UK’s main providers, who run their own nationwide networks. These networks are also utilised by smaller MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) providers, such as iD Mobile, SMARTY and Superdrug Mobile.

Three have been pioneers of mobile connectivity since 2G was the norm, and as such they have set a standard for delivering fast and reliable speeds to the vast majority of the nation. According to the most recent estimates, their 4G network now covers 99% of the UK.

Three also claims to supply the fastest 5G network in the UK, which is backed up by several independent awards.

What network does Three use?

Three use their own network to provide 4G and 5G connectivity. As mentioned, they also supply their network to various MVNOs, including iD Mobile, SMARTY, Superdrug Mobile and Honest Mobile.

Three stake a claim to having the fastest 5G network in the UK, and it’s not just something they simply say. They have been named the UK’s fastest 5G network three years in a row by Ookla, a global broadband speed test web service.

Three coverage

Three’s 4G network covers 99% of the UK, and they also claim to have wider-reaching 5G than any other UK network.

At the time of writing, Three’s nationwide 5G coverage sits at around 60%. That number should continue to rise; however, it’s worth noting that the roll-out of 5G has slowed in recent years, possibly due to the majority of dense urban locations now being largely complete.

Three even boasts a 4G or 5G connection at some of London’s major underground stations, keeping you connected even during your commute.

Three benefits

• Reliable network with fast speeds
• Fantastic 4G and 5G coverage
• Engaging help community
• Flexibility on plans
• Nice perks & extras

Three plans

As with all mobile providers, Three offers the standard options for their plans - Pay Monthly, SIM-only and Pay-as-You-Go.

Three Pay Monthly

With Three’s Pay Monthly, you have the freedom to choose your plan. Simply find the phone you want and go through the options available to suit your needs and how much you want to pay each month.

This is the best option if you like to get the latest releases when they come out, and the ability to choose your plan to suit you makes it ideal.

If you’re not too fussed about the flexibility though, and want a good deal on Three’s pre-made plans, check out some of the devices above. Each will come with several options to choose from, so you should be able to find one that works for you.

Three SIM-only

SIM-only plans are perfect for those who are happy with their current device but want some stability with their SIM.

Three offers SIM-only plans for as little as £5, and almost all plans come with unlimited calls and texts (the exception being data-only SIMs).

Three Pay-as-You-Go

Similar to SIM-only plans but without the commitment, PAYG means you aren’t locked into a contract if your circumstances change down the line. Simply top up with the data and minutes you need, when you need them, and you’re good to go.

Three offers PAYG phones too, where you purchase the device you want with them and then choose the data pack you need.

Three roaming

Three does offer a roaming service, although it could be somewhat limiting compared to those of the other ‘big four’ networks.

Go Roam, Three’s roaming service, allows you to call, text, and use your data in over 160 destinations around the world. You’ll pay £2 per day for Go Roam in Europe, £5 per day for Go Roam Around the World and £7 per day for Go Roam Around the World Extra.

Paying that fee unlocks your regular UK allowance of calls, texts and data, meaning you can use your device abroad just as you normally would back home.

It’s worth noting that Three’s Fair Usage Policy limits data usage in roaming destinations to 12GB, which means you won’t be able to count on unlimited data while you’re away. However, 12GB is a pretty generous limit, and should be more than enough for everyday needs.

Three+ perks

Three customers can take advantage of exclusive perks and rewards, available through the Three+ app.

Enjoy offers like a Cineworld ticket for £3 or a barista-made drink from Caffe Nero for £1, every week. Plus, get exclusive discounts on brands like Nike and Uber Eats, and pre-sale access to some of the UK’s biggest festivals and shows.

Footie fans can also get money off mech and stadium tours, and be in with a chance to win tickets to watch Chelsea FC and Chelsea FC Women.

All in all, Three customers can look forward to a wealth of rewards, and Three are adding new brands and new offers to the app all the time.

Three Mobile Broadband

Three are more than a mobile provider, as they also offer an excellent mobile broadband service.

Mobile broadband is an alternative to standard home broadband, delivering a connection via 4G or 5G (depending on your coverage) rather than a traditional DSL or fibre hookup. The great thing is that Three’s 5G hub provides average download speeds of 150Mbps, which is just as fast as most broadband providers’ FTTP options.

It’s an ideal option if you’re unable to get a fibre connection in your area, or if you don’t own the property. Be sure to check out what’s available with Three Mobile Broadband on our sister site, Broadband Finder.

Three customer service

If you need some help, Three have some excellent customer support services.

Three Community is a place to learn, support and collaborate with other Three customers, providing quick assistance to any general queries you may have. It’s useful for finding a quick answer to simple questions.

Of course, if you want something a bit more personal, you can speak to a member of Three’s help team via Live Chat, available 8am - 10pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 8pm Saturday and Sunday.

Three contact number

If you’re looking to talk to someone, you can phone up Three’s customer line as well.

If you’re calling from a Three phone, simply dial 333. From other phones, the number is 0333 338 1001. 

If you’re calling from abroad, the number to call is +44 7782 333 333.

Three – What we think

Three are a very solid provider, offering a brilliant service with fast speeds and fantastic coverage.

While their Go Roam service could be better, they make up for it in other areas, including the flexibility to customise your plan to suit your needs and their excellent customer rewards.

All in all, Three are one of the best providers in the UK for good reason.