Networks like Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, SMARTY and Superdrug piggyback on Three’s network for coverage.

In the UK, it also possible to access a Three mobile signal when you’re using a SIM card from Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, SMARTY and Superdrug Mobile. This is because they piggyback on Three’s mobile network coverage.

In this article, we’ll look at the mobile networks that offer coverage from Three. We’ll look at the best value deals with 4G and 5G coverage from Three, including SIM-only and unlimited data plans. We’ll also look at each mobile network in more detail, including the specific features and benefits they offer.

Three Coverage: 99% UK population coverage
Networks Using Three:
5G Coverage:

Available in 194 UK towns and cities from:
Best Unlimited Data Plan:

Overview Of Networks Using Three

Besides Three themselves, there are also four other mobile networks that will give you access to Three’s coverage. These networks are Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, SMARTY and Superdrug Mobile.

If you’re using one of these four mobile networks, you’ll have access to the same coverage as customers on Three. However, you might have different features included on your plan such as eco-friendly extras, greater flexibility or additional loyalty card points.

The following table shows a side-by-side comparison of mobile networks that use coverage from Three:

Mobile Network Plans From Three Coverage Key Features
Honest Mobile £12.15/month 4G & 5G
  • No contract & no credit check plans available
  • Get your phone’s carbon footprint removed twice over
  • Loyalty discount so your plan reduces every month
iD Mobile £5/month 4G & 5G
SMARTY £5/month 4G & 5G
  • No contract & no credit check on all plans
Superdrug Mobile £10/month 4G
  • No contract & no credit check on all plans
  • Get extra Superdrug Health & Beautycard points
Three £5/month 4G & 5G
  • Access to Three+ app & offers

At present, you’ll only be able to access Three’s 5G network if you’re using a plan from Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, SMARTY or Three. You’ll be limited to 3G and 4G coverage if you’re using Superdrug Mobile.

SIM Only Plans

If you’re looking for a cheaper SIM-only deal with coverage from Three, it’s worth considering Three’s hidden SIM-only plans. Starting from £5 per month, the hidden plans have a lower monthly price or an increased data allowance compared to what you’ll get if you choose a plan that’s listed on Three’s website.

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
Three200Unlimited2GB£5.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£6.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£6.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£8.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
24 months

In addition, it’s also possible to consider the plans from other low-cost providers such as iD Mobile and SMARTY. You won’t get Three’s normal customer benefits such as access to the Three+ app, but you’ll have access to the same underlying coverage on your phone:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£5.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£7.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited60GB£10.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
1 month

You can compare the full range of available SIM-only deals using our interactive comparison tool.

Unlimited Data Plans

If you’re looking for an unlimited data plan with coverage from Three, this is currently available from just £16 per month. The following table shows your available options:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
24 months
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£20.00
1 month
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£22.50
12 months

You’ll be limited to 4G speeds if you’re using an unlimited data plan from Superdrug Mobile. Meanwhile, Honest Mobile offers up to 5G speeds on the first 650GB per month (beyond this, you’ll be restricted to 3G speeds).

For more information, see our full guide to unlimited data plans in the UK.

Pay As You Go Plans

If you’re looking for a Pay As You Go plan, you currently have the following options if you’re looking for coverage from Three:

  • Three offers Data Pack bundles on Pay As You Go, with prices starting from £10/month. Alternatively, you can pay 10p/minute, 10p/text and 5p/MB without a bundle. They also offer a Data Reward SIM card with charges of 3p/minute, 2p/text and 1p/MB.
  • iD Mobile offers Pay As You Go bundles with £6/month.

In addition, you can get a one-month rolling plan with no credit check required on Honest Mobile, SMARTY and Superdrug Mobile.

For more information, see our guide to the best Pay As You Go SIM cards in the UK.

Mobile Networks Using Three Coverage

In the following section, we’ll look in a little more detail at each of the mobile networks that offers coverage from Three.

Honest Mobile

If you’re looking for an ethical provider, Honest Mobile promises to remove the carbon footprint of your phone, two times over. They also offer a loyalty discount of up to 30% on their plans, along with an app that has real-time usage updates and controls.

At present, you can get a one-month rolling plan from £13.50 per month on Honest Mobile. This comes with access to Three’s 4G and 5G network coverage.

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£13.50
1 month
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimited10GB£17.50
1 month
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£25.00
1 month

If you commit to a 12-month plan, you’ll get a 10% discount on the above price. This would bring, for instance, the 4GB data plan down to £12.15 per month.

Plans From Key Benefits Contract Length Coverage

£12.15/month
Carbon removal
Loyalty discount
1 or 12 months
5G Coverage
Honest Mobile’s unlimited data plan is available from £22.50/month (3G speeds apply after 650GB monthly usage).

For more information, see our Honest Mobile review.

iD Mobile

In the UK, iD Mobile is the budget mobile network from Currys Mobile (previously known as the Carphone Warehouse).

iD Mobile offers 4G and 5G coverage from Three on a range of SIM-only plans starting from £5 per month:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited1GB£5.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited5GB£6.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited5GB£6.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited5GB£6.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£7.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£7.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited15GB£8.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited15GB£8.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited60GB£10.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
1 month

You’ll get data rollover included on all iD Mobile price plans, along with bill capping and inclusive roaming in 50 destinations. It’s also possible to get an unlimited data plan on iD Mobile.

Plans From Key Benefits Contract Length Coverage

£5/month
Data rollover
1, 12 or 24 months
(no contract bundles available)
5G Coverage
iD Mobile unlimited data plans are available from £16 per month.

For more information, you can read our iD Mobile review.

SMARTY

SMARTY is a low-cost sub-brand of Three, offering price plans from £5 per month without the need for a contract or credit check.

On SMARTY, you’ll get access to Three’s 4G & 5G network. You’ll also get unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and a choice of data plans from 2GB per month to fully unlimited data:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£5.00
1 month
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited2GB£5.00
1 month
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£7.00
1 month
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
1 month
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£10.00
1 month
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£15.00
1 month
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
1 month

In particular, SMARTY’s unlimited data plan tends to be a popular choice. Costing £16 per month, it’s one of the best value ways of getting unlimited data with no contract and no credit check.

The following table shows the key things to know about SMARTY:

Plans From Key Benefits Contract Length Coverage

£5/month
Flexible 30 day plans
No contract
5G Coverage
SMARTY’s unlimited data plan is available from £16 per month.

Superdrug Mobile

If you’d like to earn some additional Superdrug Health & Beautycard points, you can get a Superdrug Mobile SIM card with 4G coverage from Three.

Available with no contract and no credit check, you’ll get the cost of your first month’s plan back in Superdrug Health & Beautycard points (e.g. you’ll get £20 back if you choose the £20 unlimited data plan). You’ll also earn double points on all of your shopping at Superdrug for as long as you remain a Superdrug Mobile customer.

The following table shows the latest SIM-only deals from Superdrug Mobile:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimited5GB£10.00
1 month
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimited15GB£15.00
1 month
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimited20GB£18.00
1 month
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£20.00
1 month
Plans From Key Benefits Contract Length Coverage

£10/month
Extra Health & Beautycard points
No contract
4G Coverage

For more information, see our Superdrug Mobile review.

Three

It’s also possible to get a SIM-only plan directly on Three for as little as £5 per month. The advantage of going directly to Three is that you’ll get 5G at no extra cost. You also won’t have any download speed limits on Three.

As a Three customer, you’ll also benefit from access to Three+ rewards app which comes with a range of inclusive discounts and offers. You’ll also be able to roam in 71 destinations for a fixed daily charge with the Go Roam Around The World service.

As a new customer, you can save money by choosing one of Three’s hidden SIM-only deals:

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
Three200Unlimited2GB£5.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£6.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£6.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£8.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
24 months

It’s also possible to use Three on a Pay As You Go basis (either with a Data Pack bundle or with a Data Reward SIM card).

Plans From Key Benefits Contract Length Coverage

£5/month
Three+ app
1, 12 or 24 months
(no contract bundles available)
5G Coverage

For more information, see our Superdrug Mobile review.

Other Networks

There are also a number of a specialist mobile networks offering coverage from Three:

  • FreedomPop is a US-based mobile network provider with a selection of UK-based plans that offer 4G coverage from Three.
  • Gamma Mobile is a business-orientated service, offering mobile plans with 5G coverage from Three. It’s only available to businesses so you won’t be able to get it as an end consumer.

Until 2019, The People’s Operator (TPO Mobile) offered coverage from Three.

Compare Three Coverage Deals

If you’d like to compare all of the SIM-only deals using coverage from Three, you can use the following interactive comparison tool.

Start by choosing how much data you’d like, followed by the contract length you’d be happy to sign up for, and the networks you’re considering. You’ll then be shown a list of available deals that match your criteria.

How much data do you want on your plan each month?

How long are you willing to commit for on a contract?

Which networks would you be happy to take a plan from?

Showing 100 of 100 price plans that match your criteria

NetworkMinutesTextsDataMonthly
Cost
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£5.00
1 month
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited2GB£5.00
1 month
Three200Unlimited2GB£5.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited1GB£5.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited1GB£5.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited1GB£5.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited5GB£6.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited5GB£6.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited5GB£6.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£6.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£6.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£6.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited1GB£6.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited1GB£6.00
No contract
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£7.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£7.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£7.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited10GB£7.00
24 months
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£7.00
1 month
Three200Unlimited2GB£7.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited1GB£7.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£8.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited15GB£8.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited15GB£8.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£8.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£8.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£8.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£8.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£8.00
No contract
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£9.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£9.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited60GB£10.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited40GB£10.00
12 months
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£10.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£10.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£10.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£10.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£10.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£10.00
No contract
iD Mobile500Unlimited6GB£10.00
No contract
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimited5GB£10.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£10.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£10.00
No contract
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited8GB£11.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£12.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited50GB£12.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited50GB£12.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited50GB£12.00
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£12.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£12.00
6 months half price
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£12.00
12 months
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£12.15
12 months
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£13.50
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£14.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited70GB£14.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited50GB£14.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£14.00
24 months
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£15.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£15.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£15.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited25GB£15.00
No contract
iD Mobile1,000Unlimited20GB£15.00
No contract
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimited15GB£15.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited10GB£15.00
No contract
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimited10GB£15.75
12 months
SmartyUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£16.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited200GB£16.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£16.00
24 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited100GB£16.00
1 month
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimited10GB£17.50
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£18.00
12 months
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimited200GB£18.00
1 month
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimited20GB£18.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited4GB£19.00
1 month
Superdrug MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£20.00
1 month
iD MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£20.00
1 month
iD Mobile1,000UnlimitedUnlimited£20.00
No contract
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited50GB£20.00
No contract
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£20.00
No contract
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£22.00
6 months half price
24 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£22.00
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited12GB£22.00
1 month
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£22.50
12 months
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£24.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited30GB£24.00
1 month
Honest MobileUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£25.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimited36GB£27.50
No contract
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£28.00
1 month
ThreeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited£35.00
No contract

If you’d also like to compare deals using a different coverage provider, see our full guide to SIM-only deals in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses the Three network?
In the UK, the following mobile networks offer coverage from Three:

Alongside these, there are a number of niche mobile networks using coverage from Three. These include FreedomPop and Gamma Mobile.
Will I get the same coverage on another network that piggybacks on Three?
If you’re using a mobile network that piggybacks on Three for coverage, you’ll have access to the same 3G and 4G coverage as customers on Three.

In addition, you’ll have access to Three’s 5G network if you’re using a SIM card from Honest Mobile, iD Mobile or Three.
Which mobile networks offer 5G coverage from Three?
At present, you can access Three’s 5G network on plans from the following providers:
What coverage does Three offer in the UK?
Three currently offers the following coverage in the UK:
  • 5G Coverage: 194 towns and cities
  • 4G Coverage: 99.8% population coverage
  • 3G Coverage: 98.3% population coverage

More Information

For more information, read our full guide on Three’s network and coverage. You can also read our in-depth reviews of Honest Mobile, iD Mobile, SMARTY Mobile and Superdrug Mobile.

Your Comments 1 so far

We'd love to hear your thoughts and any questions you may have. So far, we've received 1 comment from readers. You can add your own comment here.

  • Grahame Thomson said:

    We are currently in Gozo, Malta and have been unable to connect to 3 since yesterday lunch time….we purchased a 12 gb bundle on Thursday and currently c9 gb left….all we get when we try to connect is cannot connect to server try again later. Seriously not impressed with the service. I do hope our month will be extended by this delay.

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