Three’s 4G coverage now extends to over 99% of the UK population and continues to expand, and the network also has a rapidly growing 5G service, coupled with more 5G spectrum (which helps improve coverage, speed and reliability) than any rival, so you’re likely to be able to get speedy data on Three.
But that’s not the only reason to pick a Three contract. It also tends to have cheaper tariffs than any of the other big four (EE, O2 and Vodafone), with 5G offered at no extra cost, plus it has unlimited data contracts and it has won a number of awards, including ones praising its roaming and data services.
Three offers both 4G Super-Voice (so you can call over 4G) and Wi-Fi Calling (so you can call over Wi-Fi), meaning there are very few places where you can’t get a full mobile service on the network.
Select plans also come with ‘Go Binge’, a service that lets you use an unlimited amount of data for Netflix, Apple Music, Snapchat, Deezer, TVPlayer and SoundCloud without it coming out of your data allowance.
All of Three’s new and upgraded plans let you roam for free in 71 destinations at the time of writing, including most of Europe and numerous places beyond, such as the US, Australia and Vietnam.
Three allows tethering at no extra cost on all of its current plans (but not its older Essential Plans), and you can use all of your allowance towards it – even if you have unlimited data. That means you can use your mobile connection to get other devices online, like laptops and tablets.
Simply order your new phone with Three, then request your PAC code from the network you’re leaving (or text 'PAC' and your date of birth (DDMMYY) to 65075 from the number you want to keep), and fill out Three’s transfer form.
If you submit the form before 5pm on a working day (excluding bank holidays) your number should be moved during the next working day – though you can also set a preferred date if you don’t want it to happen that fast.