Independent guide to Three's plans, Go Roam roaming, 5G speeds and the VodafoneThree merger. Updated June 2026.
Ask Our Team →Three UK launched in 2003 as the country's first all-3G network. It became the UK's unlimited data specialist and pioneered international roaming inclusion via Go Roam. In May 2025, following CMA approval in December 2024, Three UK merged with Vodafone UK to create VodafoneThree — a combined entity with over 27 million subscribers. Both brands continue operating separately. A £11 billion network investment has been committed for the coming years.
Three's defining technical advantage: it holds 140MHz of 5G spectrum in the 3.4–3.8GHz bands — more than any other UK operator. This spectrum depth is why Three consistently leads independent 5G speed tests.
We don't display live prices — they change frequently. Below we explain how each plan type works.
Four tiers (restructured June 2025): Lite (budget, no roaming), Advanced (standard), Value (Go Roam EU, 49 destinations), Complete (Go Roam 160+ worldwide, Paramount+ included). All include unlimited calls, texts, 5G and hotspot. Annual rise: £1.80–£1.90/month each April — 30-day rolling plans are exempt from this rise.
Handset contracts for iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel on 24 or 36-month terms. Higher tiers include Go Roam. Three+ loyalty perks available. Post-merger, some Vodafone handset deals may become available on Three plans over time.
Three PAYG uniquely includes Go Roam in 71 destinations at no extra charge — the best PAYG roaming deal of any major UK network. 30-day add-on packs available. No credit check required. PAYG eSIM also available (rare in UK market).
Supported on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+. Activate via Three app or QR code. iPhone Quick Transfer supported for easy switching. Three is one of the only UK networks to offer PAYG eSIM — useful if you want a digital-first experience without a contract.
Three provides 99% outdoor 4G coverage. 5G reaches approximately 62% of the UK population — narrower than EE or O2 geographically, but faster. Three's 140MHz of 5G spectrum delivers approximately 187Mbps median 5G download in Opensignal's January 2026 report — the highest of any UK network. VodafoneThree's £11 billion investment targets 99% 5G population coverage by 2030.
The merger completed in May 2025. Both Three and Vodafone brands continue operating independently with separate pricing, apps and customer service. Network integration will happen gradually — customers won't be forced to change plans or move to a new SIM. The main consumer benefit expected is improved coverage from shared infrastructure and the £11bn investment commitment.
140MHz of 5G spectrum — more than any rival. Opensignal January 2026 rated Three #1 for 5G Download Experience at ~187Mbps median.
Complete tier reaches 160+ worldwide destinations. PAYG customers get 71 countries free — unique in the UK PAYG market.
Three pioneered unlimited data in the UK in 2010. No speed caps on eligible unlimited plans — genuine unlimited, not throttled.
Complete plans include a Paramount+ streaming subscription at no extra cost — a valuable addition for entertainment users.
Not sure if Three's Go Roam covers your travel destinations? Tell us your upcoming countries and we'll confirm which Three tier covers them — and whether O2 or Sky would actually work out cheaper for your trips.
📞 03300597117Our independent team can help you compare O2, Three and Sky Mobile in a 2-minute call — free, no sales pressure.