Three coverage checker: signal and 5G data for the UK
Three is the UK's most ambitious 5G investor, holding the largest 5G spectrum allocation of any UK mobile operator and delivering the strongest 5G signal scores in many urban areas. It hosts SMARTY and iD Mobile on its infrastructure. While its 4G footprint is slightly smaller than EE and O2, its 5G performance often leads the pack. Enter your postcode above to compare Three with EE, O2 and Vodafone.
How good is Three coverage in the UK?
Three's 4G network covers more than 99% of the UK population and is particularly strong in city centres and urban areas. Its outdoor 4G scores sit behind EE and O2 nationally, but the gap is smallest in cities where Three has historically focused investment. Three has benefited from its large 5G spectrum allocation, which allows wide 5G reach without as many new masts.
Three scores 78/100 for outdoor 4G (4th of the four networks), 64/100 indoors, 72/100 for outdoor 5G, 75/100 for video calls and 77/100 for streaming.
Does Three have good 5G?
Three holds the largest 5G spectrum allocation of the four UK operators — including 100 MHz of contiguous 3.4–3.8 GHz mid-band — and delivers the highest 5G signal scores in many urban areas. If 5G performance is your priority, Three is often the strongest choice. Its 5G coverage is well-established in cities and expanding steadily into suburban areas. SMARTY customers also get full access to Three's 5G network.
Three's outdoor 5G score is 72/100 — the highest 5G score of the four UK networks. 5G availability is strongest in major cities; suburban and rural areas typically fall back to 4G. Check your postcode above for the exact Three 5G score at your address.
Where is Three the best network?
Three is the best network in 12 of 100 UK postcode districts measured here. Three's strongest region is London, where it leads in 6 districts. Three's top-scoring district is Bromley (BR1) at 83/100.
Strongest regions
How does Three compare with EE, O2, Vodafone?
Three ranks 4th of the four networks overall (composite score 73/100). ↑ marks the leader on each metric.
| Metric | EE | O2 | Vodafone | Three ★ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor 4G | 88↑ | 85 | 83 | 78 |
| Indoor 4G | 74↑ | 71 | 69 | 64 |
| Outdoor 5G | 68 | 60 | 65 | 72↑ |
| Video Calls | 86↑ | 82 | 80 | 75 |
| Streaming | 85↑ | 81 | 79 | 77 |
Scores out of 100. ↑ marks the leader on each metric. ★ marks Three.
Which networks use Three?
SMARTY and iD Mobile both run on Three's network. SMARTY is Three's own MVNO sub-brand, offering no-contract monthly SIMs with unused data refunded. iD Mobile is operated by Currys and offers flexible data-rollover plans. Both get the same 4G and 5G signal as Three customers at the same locations.
How does Three compare with EE, O2 and Vodafone?
Three ranks fourth nationally for outdoor 4G footprint, but the difference from Vodafone in most cities is small. Its clearest strength is 5G: it leads the other three networks on 5G signal depth in urban centres. For users who primarily use their phone in cities and want the fastest mobile data speeds, Three is often the most competitive choice. For rural coverage and national breadth, EE and O2 remain stronger.
Is Three good for indoor signal?
Three scores 64/100 for indoor 4G — 4th highest of the four networks. Indoor scores are lower than outdoor for every UK network: Three's indoor score is 14 points below its outdoor 4G score of 78. All three rivals score higher indoors.
How we measure Three coverage
Coverage scores for Three come from Ofcom signal measurement data aggregated across UK postcode districts. Each network receives five scores out of 100: outdoor 4G, indoor 4G, outdoor 5G, video calls and streaming. The overall score weights outdoor 4G at 30%, indoor 4G at 20%, outdoor 5G at 20%, video calls at 15% and streaming at 15%. Scores of 80 and above are rated excellent, 67–79 good, and below 67 fair.
Full methodology → How it worksFrequently asked questions
Does Three have good 5G?
Yes — Three has the most 5G spectrum of any UK network and leads on 5G signal strength in many urban areas. Enter your postcode above to see the 5G score for your specific area.
Is Three good for rural areas?
Three is generally weaker than EE and O2 in rural and remote areas. Its investment has focused on urban 5G. For rural UK, EE typically has the strongest 4G coverage.
What networks use Three?
SMARTY and iD Mobile both run on Three's network. They share Three's coverage map and both include access to Three's 5G.
Is Three better than O2?
Three leads O2 on 5G depth and data speeds in city centres. O2 leads Three for overall 4G coverage breadth and rural reach. Which is better depends on where you live and how you use your phone.
Does Three have good indoor coverage?
Three's indoor coverage is generally good in urban areas but can vary in rural locations or buildings with thick walls. Check your postcode above to see the indoor 4G score for your area.
Check Three at your postcode
National scores are averages. Actual signal can vary by street.
Enter your postcode