Networks running on Three: best providers using their 4G/5G
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See which of the smaller operators using Three's masts we rate best. Compare their signal and speeds to joining direct. Last updated: 16th April 2025.
Networks piggybacking on Three
Get full access to Three’s brilliant 5G with other benefits
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In our review of Three, we found their superfast 5G to be the strongest part of their network. But they have stripped out a lot of their benefits like inclusive worldwide roaming in order to invest into their 5G.
It’s still worth looking at their SIM only deals below (especially any hidden offers) before writing Three off though. Or you can use our phone comparison tool here to look at their phone deals.
Nowadays, all of the smaller providers on Three get full access to their 4G and 5G network with identical data speeds. And they all offer lower cost plans with some nice benefits that will appeal to customers.
In this guide, we go over all the smaller providers that get access to Three’s network, their benefits and how their speeds, coverage and plans compare to joining Three directly.
Skip to: Who uses Three’s network | SIM only plans | Phone contracts
Who uses Three?
iD Mobile are one of the best alternatives to Three
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iD Mobile are a smaller provider owned by Carphone Warehouse. They have identical 5G/4G/3G coverage to Three. You can expect typical 4G speeds and 5G speeds of 208.9 Mbps and 260.22 Mbps according to Opensignal and Speedtest.
Despite being a budget provider, iD still offer network features like WiFi/4G calling that you’d get on Three. On top of that they offer data rollover, letting you hold onto your unused data for another month.
They beat Three on price for 1-month SIM only contracts and give you the flexibility to switch or leave your plan when you want. And they also offer some longer contracts that are even better value per month:
While iD have much cheaper phone plans than Three, you can get an even lower cost deal by joining on an iD phone contract via currys.co.uk. You can use our phone comparison tool here to find the best deal around.
Useful link: Our full review of iD Mobile
SMARTY have identical signal to Three on flexible plans
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SMARTY were set up by Three as a budget sub-brand to appeal to value seekers. Despite their lower costs you’ll get identical signal and data speeds to being on Three, as we found in our Three vs SMARTY review.
All of SMARTY’s plans are on flexible 1-month deals that you can change or leave at the end of each month. Comparing them to Three’s own 1-month SIM only plans, you’ll see SMARTY are always better value.
They offer similar WiFi/4G calling and WiFi hotspot schemes to Three. But you get inclusive EU roaming on SMARTY unlike on Three. And you can get 10% off extra plans on your account, which is value on top of value.
You can’t join SMARTY on a phone deal at all (unlike the next provider we’ll talk about) and their customer service is online only. There’s no way to call them up or get help in person.
Useful link: Read our full review of SMARTY
Honest Mobile are a great environmentally friendly network
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Honest Mobile are the only carbon negative network. Part of the money you pay them will be used to plant trees on your behalf. And you can keep track of how your custom is used for their environmental efforts.
They’ve offered 5G as standard for a while now, meaning you get signal in the same areas you would on Three. And data speeds are the same as on Three too, so you can get the most out of their 5G.
But Honest’s inclusive EU roaming is a bit complicated. You can roam in the EU for 5 days in a row without paying after which you’ll pay £2 per day. This resets when you get home, but it’s still not ideal for long trips.
Finally, the price of your plan will go down by 5% each year up to a max 30% off your plan, but they’re higher in price than the rest in the first place. If you’d prefer sheer value the providers above are better.
Useful link: See our review of Honest Mobile
Superdrug Mobile have nice benefits on flexible plans
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You might want to join Superdrug Mobile if you’re a regular Superdrug shopper. This is because you’ll earn points on your Superdrug Health and Beauty card on your bill. And you get twice as many points as usual!
And they’ll give you some extra Health and Beauty card points when you first join which will work out to the equivalent of what you paid for your plan. You can almost think of it like getting your first month free.
They also now offer full access to Three’s 5G and 4G networks with identical data speeds on good value flexible SIM only deals. These also come with data rollover so you can make the most of the data you pay for.
While they seem like a very appealing option, you only get two plans to choose from, one of them being their unlimited data plan. That might turn smaller data users away, but otherwise they’re a good option.
Useful link: See their help page for more information
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