Switching To Three Mobile? Here’s What You Need to Know

A Smidge of History: How Three Started (And How It’s Going)

Three is one of the UK’s BIG 4 mobile networks, alongside O2, Vodafone and EE. Three cut its teeth through a combination of its straightforward approach to pricing and plans and, of course, its generous data offerings.

Market Share: As of 2024, Three Mobile holds approximately 15% of the UK mobile market share, making it one of the top four mobile network operators in the country, alongside EE, Vodafone, and O2.

Customer Base: Three Mobile has seen a steady increase in its customer base, reaching over 10 million subscribers.

5G Expansion: Three Mobile is aggressively expanding its 5G network, aiming to cover 80% of the UK population by 2025.

Part of the reason it grew so quickly was because it spotted the burgeoning demand for mobile data before anyone else.

Android phones had just come out, Apple’s iPhone was just getting started in the UK. The data boom was underway and Three was primed for it.

Three Built Its Business On Giving People Want They Wanted: Lots and Lots and Lots of Data

This was one of the main reasons why I switched over to Three back in 2008 – it was marketing the crap out of the benefits of mobile data.

It knew smartphones were coming, that everybody would be using them, and it set about investing in a network that could handle the demand – with an emphasis on plentiful, cheap data.

This is why it was first with things like speedy HSPA+, a precursor to 4G LTE and was one of the first UK networks to really push 3G way before things like smartphones and apps were popular with the average consumer.

Here’s what makes Three stand out from the crowd:

• They offer lots of data (even unlimited) without breaking the bank
• Competitively priced plans, particularly for mid-range and older handsets, with low upfront costs
• They’re rolling out super-fast 5G internet across the UK with more than 99% of the country accounted for (not for 5G, just for standard LTE and call coverage)

Is Switching From My Current Network To Three Mobile Easy?

If you’re worried about leaving your current provider, Three aims to make the switch as easy as possible.

You’ll need to get your PAC code from your current provider; this ensures you can bring your phone number with you.

Once you have this, you’re good to go: all you need to do is choose a plan with Three, give them your PAC code and you’ll be up and running within a couple of hours.

Confused? Here’s a visual guide on how to switch, theoretically, from EE to Three Mobile

How Does Three Compare To EE, Vodafone & O2?

Mobile phone data ain’t exactly the sexiest subject, nor it is that interesting to read about. Trust me, I’m doing my best to keep this light and engaging! 

But it is important, especially if you’re getting into a 12 month or 24 month agreement with a phone network. 

You NEED to make sure you’ve made the right choice.

Nothing sucks more than signing a 12 month contract with a phone network, only to discover your old phone network was better. 

So, how does Three Mobile stack up when compared to the UK’s other big players? Here’s a visual breakdown of what you need to know before you make the switch…

To Three or Not To Three, That is The Question

When you think of your phone network, most of us think they’re all kind of the same. But as you’ve just seen, that isn’t the case. 

Each UK phone network has its advantages and drawbacks. You need to decide which one, based on the outlined PROS AND CONS above, you can live with. 

Me? I’ve been with Three since 2009. In that time, I can honestly say I’ve never thought about switching. Partly because I’m too lazy to switch but also because Three’s service has been fine. 

During this time, I’ve lived in Leeds, London, and now in a small village in the North West of England. 

In cities, Three was great. I got 5G, my speeds were rapid, and it handled network congestion brilliantly – I never felt like my data speeds were slow or that I was missing out on faster connections. 

Where I am now is a slightly different story; the data coverage isn’t perfect, 5G is not available in the town I live in. But it is available in a few towns just down the road, so I guess that’s progress. 

If you’re in a major town or city in the UK, you’re not going to have issues with Three. Move a little father out into the boonies like me, and you might. 

But, 5G is growing rapidly. And it is up and running in a few small towns near to where I live, so I guess it’ll be here soon enough. 

For optimal coverage, however, Three does finish behind EE and Vodafone, although you will pay significantly more for plans with these networks. 

As I said: no phone network is perfect; they all have the wrinkles. You need to decide what works best for you and what doesn’t matter all that much.

Me? I’ll take cheaper data plans and the occasional blip with my coverage over higher cost data plans any day of the week.