On 2nd June 2025, Three UK, who operate SMARTY, and Vodafone UK officially merged, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Together as VodafoneThree, we’re building our best network ever, backed by a guaranteed investment of £11bn that will transform connectivity across the UK.
Right now, nothing is changing; your terms and conditions, our services and our prices will stay the same. SMARTY will continue to operate as a standalone brand with its own mission and values and your experience as a SMARTY customer won’t be affected.
Our colleagues are on hand to provide you with the support you need as normal. Our network and engineering teams are also working around the clock to provide you with the best possible network experience.
We will keep you updated on any changes.
Find out more about VodafoneThree at https://www.vodafonethree.com/.
General FAQ's 💭
What is VodafoneThree?
What is VodafoneThree?
VodafoneThree is the new company created from the merger of Three UK, who operate SMARTY, and Vodafone UK.
Why have Three UK and Vodafone UK merged?
Why have Three UK and Vodafone UK merged?
To invest £11 billion into creating our best-ever network, improving coverage, speed, and reliability nationwide.
Are the Three and Vodafone brands changing?
Are the Three and Vodafone brands changing?
No. Three, SMARTY, Vodafone, VOXI, and Talkmobile will all continue to operate independently.
Existing contracts, plans, pricing, and customer support remain unchanged.
We will keep you updated on any changes.
What are the benefits of the VodafoneThree merger for SMARTY customers?
What are the benefits of the VodafoneThree merger for SMARTY customers?
Millions of customers of Vodafone UK and Three UK, including SMARTY customers, will enjoy a better network experience with greater coverage, quality and reliability.
Starting from mid-June this year (2025), up to 7 million Three UK customers (including SMARTY) will see an improvement in their 4G data speed by an average of 20%.
Within a few months – Vodafone and Three customers, including SMARTY, will start to automatically use each other’s networks – connecting them to the best coverage available.
Pricing 💸
Will my plan price increase due to the merger?
Will my plan price increase due to the merger?
No. Your existing price plan remains unchanged.
What's happening to social tariffs?
What's happening to social tariffs?
Nothing has changed to our plans, contracts, and social tariffs. SMARTY are committed to maintaining our social tariff for our vulnerable customers.
Will roaming or international charges change?
Will roaming or international charges change?
SMARTY has no plans to make changes to its (up to) 12GB inclusive EU roaming allowance or the international services it offers.
Network improvements & coverage 📶
What is the network that is being built?
What is the network that is being built?
Vodafone and Three (VodafoneThree) are bringing together the strengths of both networks, backed by a £11bn investment, and will connect 29 million customers (including SMARTY customers) to better mobile services across the UK.
When can I expect to see progress against the £11 billion investment plan?
When can I expect to see progress against the £11 billion investment plan?
Vodafone and Three (VodafoneThree) have a detailed timetable for upgrading the network over the next eight years, monitored and enforced by the regulator, Ofcom.
With the rollout of our 5G Standalone Network, VodafoneThree expect to reach 99% of the population, benefiting millions of customers through significantly better quality, greater reliability and enhanced capacity for handling the ever-increasing demand for data we are seeing from our customers.
Will my signal be better now Vodafone and Three have merged?
Will my signal be better now Vodafone and Three have merged?
Yes, VodafoneThree brings together two great networks. Three customers (including SMARTY) will see on average 20% faster 4G speeds soon.
Within just 6 months – SMARTY customers will automatically use both Three’s and Vodafone’s networks – connecting our customers to the strongest signal available, at no extra cost.
Over time, VodafoneThree will expand coverage and reliability even further, reaching 95% 4G geographic coverage by 2027 and 99% 5G Standalone by 2034.
What is 5G standalone?
What is 5G standalone?
Short for the ‘fifth generation’ wireless mobile network, 5G is the newest iteration of our global mobile networking standard. The current 5G network only uses upgraded technology in existing masts and also partly relies on 4G technology.
5G Standalone is a fully upgraded network in all its component parts – from radio, to access, transport and core - that solely uses 5G technology. In doing so, it enables much higher speeds, lower latency (allowing for things to happen in real-time) and increased reliability.
In short, 5G Standalone has the potential to completely change the way we live and work.
How is 5G coverage improving?
How is 5G coverage improving?
Over the next 8 years, VodafoneThree will be rapidly expanding 5G Standalone coverage across the UK.
Customers (including SMARTY customers) will experience significantly improved 5G speeds, better indoor and outdoor coverage, and lower latency (less lag, buffering, etc), with 99% 5G Standalone coverage expected by 2034.
The coverage checker says my town has 5G, but I still have patchy signal - why?
The coverage checker says my town has 5G, but I still have patchy signal - why?
VodafoneThree are rolling out the new network at pace, but some areas - like hills, underground spaces, or older buildings - may still experience limitations during early phases.
Even where a location is technically "live," performance can vary depending on terrain, distance from masts, or indoor signal strength.
We’re actively working to improve this every day, and soon, you’ll benefit from an even stronger, more reliable connection.
Are there any health risks to using 5G masts?
Are there any health risks to using 5G masts?
All equipment used on our network is fully compliant with UK safety regulations, which are among the most stringent in the world. Public Health England and the World Health Organisation confirm that 5G poses no health risks. VodafoneThree work closely with local authorities and communities to build responsibly and transparently.
Customer service & support 🤝
Can Three/SMARTY customers use Vodafone customer services or stores, or vice versa?
Can Three/SMARTY customers use Vodafone customer services or stores, or vice versa?
No. Please continue to use SMARTY’s customer services. Customer service operations remain separate at this time.
Can I switch more easily between Three/SMARTY and Vodafone now?
Can I switch more easily between Three/SMARTY and Vodafone now?
Switching processes between brands remains the same for now.
In the future, customers can expect exclusive cross-brand deals to provide additional choice.
Do I need to swap my SIM due to the Vodafone Three merger or take any action on my account?
Do I need to swap my SIM due to the Vodafone Three merger or take any action on my account?
No, you do not need to swap your SIM or take any action.
Avoid fraud - Following the recent VodafoneThree merger, we are aware that scammers are targeting our customers.
You do not need to make any changes to your SIM card, phone number, or personal details as a result of the merger. Anyone contacting and asking you to do so is a fraudster.
If someone contacts you by phone or social media claiming to be from Three (including SMARTY) or Vodafone, please do not share any personal details with them, including any One-Time Passcodes that we send to you via text or email. Fraudsters may be attempting to access your account.
If you receive a suspicious text, please report it by forwarding it to 7726. For a suspicious call, text the word CALL and the number to 7726.
Do I still need a PAC to move my number from Three/SMARTY to Vodafone? Or from Vodafone to Three?
Do I still need a PAC to move my number from Three/SMARTY to Vodafone? Or from Vodafone to Three?
Yes, you will still need a PAC to move your number, in the same way that you do to move from Three to SMARTY, or SMARTY to Three now.
Social responsibility and sustainability 🌍
How does VodafoneThree support vulnerable customers?
How does VodafoneThree support vulnerable customers?
VodafoneThree (including SMARTY) remains committed to supporting vulnerable customers through dedicated social tariffs, affordable connectivity options, and community partnerships that ensure everyone can stay connected regardless of their circumstances. Our efforts to bridge the digital divide include offering free connectivity to those most in need and expanding 5G coverage in rural areas.
We prioritise all our customers, with special attention to vulnerable groups, including safeguarding children and young people online.
What is VodafoneThree's approach to sustainability?
What is VodafoneThree's approach to sustainability?
VodafoneThree (including SMARTY) is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and actively promotes minimising environmental footprint and giving back to the communities we serve through partnerships with leading UK organisations.