Check Mobile Coverage on Three

Three is one of the UK’s four biggest networks, and along with EE, O2, and Vodafone it’s one of these four networks that you’ll essentially be connecting to – even if you do so via an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) like Tesco Mobile or Smarty.

Three launched back in 2003 as the UK’s first 3G-only network. Now though of course the network offrs 5G, and it has 10.3 million customers, and accounts for 34% of the UK’s mobile data traffic.

But should you be one of these customers? Well, below you’ll find more details on Three’s connectivity types and selling points, along with information on how to improve your signal if you’re already a Three customer.

What types of mobile coverage does Three have?

While Three launched as a 3G-only network, it actually no longer offers 3G in most places, having switched it off in 2024, so it could bolster its 4G and 5G networks.

That was likely a wise choice, especially as Three’s 5G speeds are among the UK’s best according to most third-party tests. That said, the network doesn’t currently offer 5G Standalone – which means its 5G network still depends on legacy 4G infrastructure.

What are the selling points of Three?

One selling point of Three is that it gives you access to the Three+ app. This is packed full of a rotating selection of discounts, competitions, and freebies from various other brands.

Some plans also come with inclusive roaming and a subscription to Paramount+, and of course you can also tether, and make use of Wi-Fi Calling and 4G Calling.

Beyond that, Three stands out in the same way as the other major networks, in that it has a huge selection of plans. You can get a smartphone on contract, or choose to go SIM Only, or Pay As You Go. There are also data-only options, mobile broadband and home broadband plans, and even smartwatches, tablets, and laptops.

How can I check Three’s network status?

To see Three’s networks status in a given area, head to the network’s network status page and enter the postcode you want to check. This will then tell you if there are any issues detected. The other tab on this page can be used to check coverage, so you can see how Three’s coverage would usually be in that area.

If you appear to be having issues that aren’t listed on the above link, you could also try checking Three’s Downdetector page to see if other users are also having problems.

What can I do to improve signal?

If Three is reporting signal issues in your area, then other than leaving the area there’s probably not much you can do to improve your signal – you’ll just have to wait for Three to fix the problem. That said, in the meantime you can use Wi-Fi Calling to call and text if you have access to a Wi-Fi network.

If Three isn’t reporting issues then there may be things you can do, other than resorting to Wi-Fi Calling.

It’s possible in this case that your phone is the cause of the problem, so to fix that, you could try turning airplane mode on and then off, and if that doesn’t help, try turning your phone off and back on. You should also try charging your phone if the battery is low, and check if any software updates are available.

Another possibility is that your surroundings are the cause of the problem. If you’re in a building, that could be blocking the signal (though probably not if you usually have signal in that building). Similarly, thick tree cover, temporary structures, or other obstacles could be preventing signal from reaching your phone, so you could try moving away from these things.

If the weather is bad, this could also be having an impact, and if you’re in a very busy area, such as a stadium, that can also cause problems. In these last two cases though there might not be much you can practically do beyond waiting until the weather clears or you’re able to get somewhere less busy – though Wi-Fi Calling remains a possible solution.

And if you can’t figure out what the problem is or how to solve it, it’s worth getting in touch with Three. You can call the network on 333 from your Three phone, or 0333 338 1001 from any other phone.

What other networks use Three’s network?

Smarty, iD Mobile, Honest Mobile, and Superdrug Mobile all share Three’s coverage and spectrum. Of these, Smarty is owned and operated by Three, while the others simply lease spectrum from Three.

Does Three have coverage abroad?

If you’re a Three customer then you can roam abroad, though you’ll be connecting to partner networks rather than Three’s own infrastructure – that’s the case with the UK’s other networks too though.

On Value and Complete plans roaming in 163 destinations is inclusive for a set number of days each year, but on Three’s cheapest plans (called Lite plans) you’ll have to pay, with roaming costing £2 per day in Europe, and either £5 or £7 per day to roam in most places outside Europe.