Coverage and Network status checker

New to Three? Use our coverage checker below to see if you can access our award-winning network. If you’re already with us, you can use our Network Status Checker to see if we have maintenance going on.

Important

We’re phasing out our 3G network and aim to switch it off by the end of 2024. 

We’re not alone in doing this – other networks in the UK and abroad are in the process of phasing out their 3G service, too. 

Want to find out more about our 3G switch off? Head to our 3G switch-off page. For specific information about your local area, please use our coverage checker below. 

Check coverage in your area

Types of mobile coverage: explained

What's the difference between 3G, 4G, and 5G? Well, they're the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations of mobile network. The main difference between them is the speeds they can reach, with each generation hitting faster speeds as they go along. This affects how smooth your online experience is.

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What affects mobile coverage and how can I improve mine?

Location’s usually the main thing that affects coverage – if you’re far away from a mast, your signal will be weaker. 

But coverage can also be affected by things like trees, being in a basement or underground, travelling, and even your phone itself. Getting higher up, opening windows, and upgrading your phone can all help improve your signal.

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Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1-Q2 2024. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

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Live Chat

Live Chat is open 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday.

In store

Find your nearest Three store with our store locator.

Get in touch

You can chat to us in a number of different ways. Go to our contact us page to find out more.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re having problems with your signal, there are a couple of things you can try. We have a handy Network Status checker which lets you know if there are any issues or planned maintenance in your area. Or you can check our network troubleshooting steps for your device.

There can be a few reasons why you can’t get connected. We’d recommend checking our Network Status checker for any issues or planned maintenance in your area first. Then following our troubleshooting steps under Problems with internet on our Network Status checker page.

Our Network Status checker shows any known issues or planned maintenance in your area.

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network and delivers a massive leap forward in both speed and quality. We’re talking super-fast streaming, lag-free gaming, and lightning quick downloads.

You can check if your area has access to our 4G or 5G network by searching your postcode in our Coverage checker above. Or you can use our Network Status checker to see if there are any issues or planned maintenance in your area.

No, we don’t have a 2G network. And like other networks both here in the UK and abroad, we’re phasing out 3G. We want you to have the best experience on our network, so we’re continuing to invest in our 4G and 5G networks. 

Using an older phone? To stay connected, you’ll need to upgrade to a device that’s 4G Calling or 5G compatible.

If you’re with Three UK and travel to the Republic of Ireland, you can use our Go Roam services while you’re there. If you’re permanently based in the Republic of Ireland, get connected to Ireland’s fastest mobile network – Three Ireland.

If you’re with Three UK and are travelling to a Go Roam in Europe destination, you can stay connected while you’re abroad. Remember to check which Go Roam destinations are covered before you go.

Our 4G network covers 99% of the UK population (outdoor coverage), and according to Ookla*, our 5G is the fastest around. Check which network you can get using our Coverage checker above. Or, if you’re already with us, use our Network Status checker for any issues or planned maintenance in your area. 

* Fastest 5G based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data Q1 – Q2 2023. Verify at https://www.speedtest.net/awards/fastest-5g.

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Things that can affect your signal

Building materials

Unfortunately, no network can tell you how strong your signal will be indoors. That's because the signal strength needed to pass through walls and windows varies from building to building.

Issues with your device or account

Your SIM card, phone settings, a low battery, and running older software can all affect the signal. If your account is on hold, that will also prevent use of the network.

Location

The closer you are to a mast, the stronger your signal. It can also be affected by geographical things, like hills, valleys, forests, etc.

Extreme weather

Strong winds, flooding, storms, falling trees, etc. can all affect phone masts.

Temporary structures

Cranes or scaffolding, for example, can obstruct the signal.

Temporary network outages

When we're carrying out planned or unplanned maintenance, your signal will probably be affected.

We’re phasing out our 3G network service  

If we’ve switched off a 3G mast in your area, you may experience reduced 3G coverage or have no 3G coverage at all. But if you’re using a device compatible with 4G calling, you may still have access to our 4G network. Find out more about our plans to switch off 3G and check if your device is compatible with 4G calling

Still need help?

Help with recent loss of signal

If you normally have a signal but have recently lost it, there could be an outage or an issue with your device or account. Here are a few things you can try to get your signal back up-and-running again. 

1. Check for outages

If you haven’t already, check the current service in your area to see if you’ve been affected by an outage. 

2. Test your device

Try the following:

  • Turn airplane mode on then off
  • Turn your device off then on
  • Make sure mobile data is switched on
  • Update your device software
  • Reset your network settings

3. Issues with your account

Sometimes, a billing issue or a failed Top-up can stop access to our network. Log in to your account online or on the Three app

4. Try Wi-Fi Calling

You can call and text over Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Calling. Some phones have it pre-installed and it’s compatible with iOS and Android devices. Check if your device is compatible

5. Get in touch

If these tips haven’t worked and you still need help with your signal, please get in touch with us

Help with poor or no signal  

We’re sorry to hear that you’re having ongoing signal problems. Here are a few things you can try to get it up-and-running again. 

1. Is the problem in one place?  

Some locations have a weaker signal than others. And indoor coverage can depend on various factors, such as the type of building you’re in. 

Use our coverage checker to see what the expected signal strength is in your area. 

2. Does the problem happen everywhere?  

It could be a problem with your device. Try the following to see if your signal improves: 

3. Issues with your account

Sometimes, a billing issue or a failed Top-up can stop access to our network. Log in to your account online or on the Three app

4. Try Wi-Fi Calling

You can call and text over Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Calling. Some phones have it pre-installed and it’s compatible with iOS and Android devices. Check if your device is compatible

5. Get in touch

If these tips haven’t worked and you still need help with your signal, please get in touch with us

Help with internet issues

Slow internet speeds, or no access can sometimes be due to traffic at peak times. There are a few things you can do to help with internet problems. 

1. Check for known issues

Whether you’re on our 4G or 5G network, you should have access to the internet. Use our coverage checker to see what the expected signal strength is in your area.

2. Test your device 

Try the following: 

  • Turn airplane mode on then off
  • Turn your device off then on 
  • Make sure mobile data is switched on
  • Update your device software 
  • Reset your network settings 

3. Check your network settings 

Check the Access Point Names (APN) in your settings and reset your network settings. 

Please note: This will remove your saved Wi-Fi passwords. 

For more help go to device support, pick your device and go to Connecting to the internet. 

4. Issues with your account 

Sometimes, a billing issue or a failed Top-up can stop access to our network. Log in to your account online or on the Three app

5. Connect to Wi-Fi 

While we try to sort out the issue, it may be helpful to connect to Wi-Fi whenever you can. 

6. Get in touch

If these tips haven’t worked and you still need help with your signal, please get in touch with us