Which networks piggyback off Three's network?

Contents list 5G networks using Three's infrastructure Smarty iD Mobile Superdrug Mobile Honest Mobile Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Three is one of the UK’s leading 5G networks, with widespread coverage and impressive speeds. But you don’t need to be on Three itself to get Three’s 5G experience, as some MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) use Three’s coverage and infrastructure.

That means that anywhere Three has 5G coverage, these networks will too, so they’re worth considering if you want Three’s 5G.

Note that there are also many:

• EE MVNOs
• Vodafone MVNOs
• O2 MVNOs

So if you prefer the coverage for any of those networks, they’re worth checking out too.

Here though, we’ll be looking specifically at the networks that piggyback off Three’s network, and currently there are four of these.

5G networks using Three’s infrastructure

At the time of writing there are only four 5G networks that use Three’s infrastructure (other than Three itself), so there’s not loads of choice, but the available options are compelling.

Smarty

Smarty is a mobile network that’s owned and operated by Three, so this is no small company, but it has things going for it that Three itself doesn’t.

For one thing, it’s typically cheaper than Three itself, and you’re never tied into a long-term contract, as all Smarty’s plans are just 30 days long.

It also offers free roaming in the EU, which Three doesn’t anymore on its cheapest plans, and you can take advantage of Wi-Fi Calling, 4G Calling, and tethering, at no extra cost.

Smarty also offers 5G as standard, you can get up to unlimited data, and all of its plans also come with unlimited minutes and texts (other than its Data Only plans).

However, Smarty just offers SIM Only and Data Only plans, so it doesn’t have as wide a choice of options as Three itself, or some other networks.

iD Mobile

iD Mobile is a Three MVNO that’s owned by Currys, and it’s got quite a wide selection of plans, including Pay Monthly smartphones, SIM Only, and Pay As You Go.

It also has a variety of plan lengths on SIM Only, with 1, 12, and 24-month options, and even provides data rollover, so you can roll over your unused data and get a second chance to use it – or just pick an unlimited data plan and never need to worry.

4G Calling and Wi-Fi Calling are included too, as of course is 5G, and you can roam across the EU at no extra cost. This then is a feature-packed network, and it’s competitively priced too.

Superdrug Mobile

Superdrug Mobile is a small network with just two SIM Only plans at the time of writing. One of these comes with unlimited data, but primarily this network is aimed at Superdrug customers, as it gives you double Health and Beautycard points with all your Superdrug shopping.

Beyond that, there’s no contract so you can cancel your plan at any time, and if you choose a plan with a limited data allowance then you’ll also get data rollover. Superdrug Mobile also provides inclusive EU roaming.

Honest Mobile

Honest Mobile sells several plans that you can pair with either a 12-month or 30-day rolling contract, and while the starting prices aren’t amazing, the network rewards loyalty by reducing your bill over time. Stick with the network for long enough and you’ll see your bill drop by 30%.

Honest Mobile also helps you shrink your carbon footprint, by turning every kilo of CO2 that your phone emits carbon negative.

They’re the network’s standout features, but additionally it supports 5G, Wi-Fi Calling, eSIMs, and tethering. You can also roam for free for up to 5 days on each EU trip.

Frequently Asked Questions