VodaThree Merger

BigBadBald

I'm an IT professional who manages 150+ mobile connections.  Over the years, I've moved our organisation from network to network based on the best deal available and strength/features. 

Three are offering amazing business deals at present (around £6.50/unlimited SIMO); but our network tests just show their coverage remains appalling outside major cities.

Vodafone and Three are set to merge soon (March 2025); but I thought I'd share that supposedly within 10 days following the merger, all their cells will be opened to both networks.  That in theory will give a very attractive network.

So this may be a consideration for any of you considering Three/Vodafone as your mobile provider. 

In my experience / opinion:
Three: ID; Smarty; Honest - fast in major cities/populated areas outdoors, slow / no signal indoors.
EE: Lyca, 1pMobile, Spusu, Ecotalk, Talkhome - good coverage, fast network out / indoors.
Vodafone: Voxi, TalkMobile, ASDA, Lebara - good coverage in and outdoors
O2: Giffgaff, Sky, Tesco - good coverage, in and outdoors.

For domestic customers things to consider then:

• Your Budget
• Your min/text/data use requirements
• SIM only or purchasing a phone at the same time
• Coverage at your home or work if Wifi Calling/VoLTE available.
• Monthly, 12 monthly, 24 monthly (or more)
• Any other requirements e.g. call divert, family plans

jimjames

I've certainly found Vodafone 5G is very limited compared to 5G availability abroad. Even in relatively remote areas 5G signal is good whereas in UK I find Vodafone has poor 5G even in built up places.

PHK

Where did you hear that subscribers will be able to roam onto both networks within 10days of the merger being finalised. 

The last I heard the merger was supposed to be complete in June. At that point they need to start the process of integrating systems AND deal with MBNL (the deal with O2 is already done)

(When T-Mobile merged with Orange it was about six months before you could roam on either network and five years until the EE we recognise today started)