Key Takeaways
- iD Mobile will now operate on the VodafoneThree network, inheriting any coverage or speed improvements that come from that merger.
- Thanks to CMA protections, iD Mobile customers are shielded from immediate price hikes.
- The long-term future of MVNOs like iD Mobile depends on how VodafoneThree decides to manage wholesale network access.
- For now, iD Mobile remains a strong value option, especially if you’re looking for flexible, contract-free plans.
The newly merged VodafoneThree network is one of the biggest shakeups the UK mobile market has seen in years.
And while it directly affects customers on Vodafone and Three, it also impacts iD Mobile, a popular MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that runs on the Three network.
Here’s what you need to know about how this affects iD Mobile going forward.
iD Mobile Still Runs on Three’s Network (Now VodafoneThree)
iD Mobile is owned by Currys and operates using Three UK’s network infrastructure. After the merger, that means:
- iD Mobile now effectively runs on the new VodafoneThree network.
- The merged infrastructure is expected to bring better 5G coverage, faster speeds, and improved network reliability.
✅ Good news for customers: VodafoneThree has committed to building one of the most advanced 5G networks in Europe by investing billions in infrastructure upgrades.
What’s still uncertain is what happens if iD Mobile decides to stick with the old Three agreement.
VodafoneThree has published new terms for MVNOs—including iD Mobile—under what’s called the VodafoneThree Wholesale Reference Offer.
If iD Mobile chooses not to accept the new terms, there’s a chance that customers could be limited to using the legacy Three infrastructure only, missing out on any upgrades or new coverage rolled out by VodafoneThree.
Tariff Caps Will Keep Prices In Check (For Now)
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved the merger with specific conditions to protect consumers and MVNOs like iD Mobile:
| CMA Condition | Impact on iD Mobile |
|---|---|
| 3-Year Price Cap on Certain Tariffs | iD Mobile plans are expected to remain price-stable |
| MVNO Protections Mandated | Ensures fair access to network resources and pricing |
| No Immediate Disruption to Contracts | Existing deals and allowances stay intact |
This means if you’re on iD Mobile, you won’t see sudden price hikes, and your data allowances and contract terms should stay the same—for now.
MVNO Relationships Could Evolve
While protections are in place short-term, the long-term outlook for MVNOs is more complex. VodafoneThree may:
- Restructure wholesale agreements to align with its new business model
- Review pricing models and access terms for all MVNO partners, including iD Mobile
- Possibly prioritize its own brands, which could affect how much network access MVNOs get during peak times
⚠️ Watch this space: If VodafoneThree changes its MVNO strategy in the future, iD Mobile may need to renegotiate terms or even consider switching to a different host network.
What About Market Competition?
The merger reduces the UK’s major network operators from four to three:
- VodafoneThree (new)
- EE (BT Group)
- Virgin Media O2
This raises concerns about reduced competition. However, MVNOs like iD Mobile play a crucial role in keeping pricing competitive and offering alternatives to big-brand contracts.
| Network Brand | Network Used | Type |
|---|---|---|
| iD Mobile | Three (now VodafoneThree) | MVNO |
| SMARTY | Three (now VodafoneThree) | MVNO |
| Giffgaff | O2 | MVNO |
| VOXI | Vodafone | MVNO |
| Lebara | Vodafone | MVNO |
So while fewer core networks exist, MVNOs remain key players for affordable and flexible mobile deals.
Summary: What It Means for You
| Impact Area | What to Expect as an iD Mobile Customer |
|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Likely to improve over time with VodafoneThree’s 5G investment |
| Prices & Tariffs | Protected by CMA-mandated caps for the next three years |
| Service Changes | No immediate changes, but MVNO access and terms may evolve long-term |
| Market Choice | Fewer networks, but iD Mobile still offers competitive alternatives |
FAQs on Three x Vodafone Merger
Will iD Mobile still use Three’s network?
Yes, but Three is now part of VodafoneThree. iD Mobile remains on that network infrastructure.
Will my prices go up because of the merger?
Not immediately. CMA regulations cap pricing on certain tariffs for at least three years.
Will iD Mobile’s coverage improve?
Yes, it likely will—VodafoneThree plans to expand and enhance 5G and overall coverage.
Could iD Mobile switch networks?
It’s possible in the long term, but there’s no sign of that yet. They’ll likely review their position based on how VodafoneThree treats MVNO partners.
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