On 2nd June 2025, Three UK, who provides SMARTY's network, and Vodafone UK 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, promising a stronger, more reliable network.
Right now, nothing is changing; your terms and conditions 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.
However, the VodafoneThree network and engineering teams are also working around the clock to provide customers, including SMARTY customers, with the best possible network experience.
Giving you the best available coverage and faster 4G
SMARTY customers will benefit from an improved network experience as the two networks combine.
Starting from August 2025, and rolling out across the UK, your SIM will automatically connect to the best available coverage at no extra cost. When your area is available, we'll be in touch. Click here for FAQ's on network sharing.
We're also upgrading our 4G network by activating Vodafone’s spectrum for our customers in certain areas. This means that 4G speeds are boosted for many of our customers across the UK.
But what does that mean for you? As the upgrades roll out across the country, many of our customers using 4G ready devices will experience:
Faster speeds 🚀
Enjoy smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and an amazing online experience thanks to a 4G speed boost of 20% or more.
Less buffering 📲
We’re strengthening our network where you need it most – like cities, shopping centres and busy train stations. So, you can do what you need to do with less buffering slowing you down.
Better reliability 💪
Our network will now have more capacity – that means, a more reliable connection for you, even at peak times.
We will keep you updated on any changes.
Throughout 2025, VodafoneThree will be upgrading the 4G network by enabling Three and SMARTY customers to access new Spectrum available from the merger with Vodafone. Improvements vary by location, but at least 7 million Three/SMARTY customers should experience an improvement.
Actual speeds may vary and depend on a number of factors, including distance from a mast, local geography, position of buildings and the device used.
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%.
Starting August 2025 – Vodafone and Three customers, including SMARTY, will start to automatically use each other’s networks – connecting them to the best coverage available. When your area is available, we'll be in touch.
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 inclusive EU roaming allowance of up to 12GB 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?
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?
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.
Starting August 2025 – SMARTY customers will automatically use both Three’s and Vodafone’s networks – connecting our customers to the strongest signal available, at no extra cost. When your area is available, we'll be in touch.
Over time, VodafoneThree will expand coverage and reliability even further, reaching 95% 4G geographic coverage by 2027 and 99% 5G Standalone by 2034.
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.
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.
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.
Network sharing - two networks are better than one 🤝
See below for FAQ's about network sharing:
What does expanding the network access between Vodafone and Three involve?
What does expanding the network access between Vodafone and Three involve?
Following Three’s merger with Vodafone, from August 2025, SMARTY customers can now use both Three and Vodafone’s network – this is already available at over 1000 sites and will be expanded across the country. This means customers can start to see coverage benefits – at no extra cost.
Do I need to do anything to benefit from network sharing?
Do I need to do anything to benefit from network sharing?
No action is needed.
Your device will automatically connect to either Vodafone or Three's network to give you our best coverage available if you're in areas where this network sharing has been deployed. There's no need to change your settings or plan.
How many sites are currently live with network sharing?
How many sites are currently live with network sharing?
Over 1,000 sites are already live, with 8,6000 more coming by the end of the first year of the merger.
Will this affect my current mobile plan or cost me more?
Will this affect my current mobile plan or cost me more?
No, your current plan won't change. Our customers can use both networks at no extra cost.
Is network sharing available nationwide?
Is network sharing available nationwide?
The rollout is currently happening across the UK, with over 1,00 sites already live and 8,600 more coming by the end of the first year of the merger.
Coverage will continue to expand as more sites are activated throughout the year.
How will I know where I can access Vodafone's / Three's network?
How will I know where I can access Vodafone's / Three's network?
Bringing Vodafone and Three's networks together will be seamless. Our coverage checker will be updated with new and improved coverage availability as this is rolled out.
If my network is being shared, will my signal be impacted?
If my network is being shared, will my signal be impacted?
Network performance is monitored closely and should not impact your network experience.
What type of improvements will I see?
What type of improvements will I see?
Fewer dropped calls or slow downloads: Your device will automatically use the signal of whichever network is best if network sharing is available; ultimately, this should provide you with a better online experience.
Stronger coverage in more places: From video calls to mobile banking, improved coverage across the country will create a more seamless and reliable mobile experience. The upgrade also delivers coverage to areas that previously had a weak or patchy signal.
Better performance during peak times: At busy times, like rush hour, networks can become overloaded. However, with access to two networks and more capacity, the demand can be better managed, ensuring a higher quality service and performance levels.
Will I be able to tell when I'm using either the Vodafone or the Three network?
Will I be able to tell when I'm using either the Vodafone or the Three network?
Your device will show as your normal provider.
You'll simply notice that you get improved 4G or 5G coverage, where you might not have had it before.
Does this mean that the coverage for Three and Vodafone is now the same?
Does this mean that the coverage for Three and Vodafone is now the same?
No. Not all sites on Three or Vodafone will be enabled right away. This means that coverage maps will still vary depending on the location.
I've received an SMS about my network improving, but I haven't noticed an improvement, why?
I've received an SMS about my network improving, but I haven't noticed an improvement, why?
There may be other things impacting the network in your area. You can find out more by using our Network Status Checker.
I have seen Three and Vodafone adverts about expanding network access, when will this be available in my area?
I have seen Three and Vodafone adverts about expanding network access, when will this be available in my area?
Network sharing is being rolled out across the UK. When your area is available, we'll be in touch.
Will 5G be available in all enabled areas?
Will 5G be available in all enabled areas?
Not all masts support 5G, however, 4G will be available.
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.
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.
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.