If you use Vodafone or Three, there’s a big change coming to your smartphone. These UK networks are joining forces to create a platform called VodafoneThree and, with 27 million customers, it will now be the UK’s biggest. Right now, you won’t notice much difference, but there are big plans ahead, including Three users being able to jump on the Vodafone network and vice versa.
The new company has confirmed that, by the end of this month, Three and SMARTY customers will receive a 4G boost that will help them get more reliable speeds in more places. In fact, VodafoneThree says some users will see an improvement of up to 20 percent.
Next, before the end of the summer 2025, all 27 million Vodafone and Three mobile customers will start to benefit from full access to roam on each other’s networks. This will be made available at no extra cost.
The firm says the boost will happen automatically and should mean phones simply connect to the best coverage available no matter if you are Vodafone or Three users.
In 2026, VodafoneThree says it will also launch beta trials on a ‘first-of-its-kind’, space-based satellite mobile network, thanks to Vodafone’s partnership with AST Space Mobile. This will complement the existing network build, eliminating coverage gaps in places that otherwise couldn’t be reached.
Lastly, even customers of other providers – such as EE and O2 – will be able to try VodafoneThree’s network with a seven-day, free, eSIM trial. By simply scanning a QR code, customers will be able to try the network: same phone, same contact details, no commitment.
Along with the coverage boost, VodafoneThree reckons it will make its cutsomer service better. Within two years the company will open two new customer care centres in Belfast and Sheffield, bringing 400 sales and customer service roles back to the UK, alongside the existing call centres in Stoke and Glasgow.
Speaking about the changes, Max Taylor, CEO, VodafoneThree: “A new era of connectivity has begun. We will connect every nation, every community, in every corner of the UK. We will build the UK’s best 5G network with an unprecedented £11bn privately funded infrastructure project, laying the digital foundation for our country’s growth ambitions.
“Benefits for our 27 million mobile customers will start within months, with access to roam across both networks at no extra cost. From big cities to small towns, and everywhere in between, our mission is to build the UK’s best network”.
