Introduction to Three (3)

Three (3) offers great value mobile broadband deals alongside its mobile phone packages. Known as a hip new entry to the mobile market, Three's speeds, coverage and customer service are some of the best around.

Mobile broadband is a great alternative to home broadband for those who do not want a phone line (making it a really cheap option) or who want to access the internet whilst out and about.

Three (3) history

Three (3) launched in the UK on the 3rd of March 2003 (the third day of the third month of the third year of the new millennium).

By the end of 2005, despite some technology teething problems, it had acquired 3.2 million customers who were all running on their 3G enabled network. Great value deals, excellent product positioning and snazzy marketing were starting to pay off for 3, and its parent company, Hutchinson Whampoa, was happy to continue funding ideas for quick growth.

3 has launched a major marketing campaign in May 2009, with the slogan "Changing Mobile Forever", as 3 is offering free unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls to all customers - potentially revolutionising the mobile price point.

Unlike other providers, 3's entire network is built around the internet. That means that subscribers can use the 3G network for both data and voice applications. 3 has placed great emphasis on online media and downloadable content. Users can download music tracks, watch TV on their mobiles, or upload their own video content only 3's dedicated SeeMeTV channel.

Network evolution

3 currently has the highest level of 3G coverage in the UK. It went live with HSDPA in September 2007. Also, the operator currently has full HSDPA coverage in the north of Manchester, Northern Ireland and in London.

3 UK and T-Mobile (UK) have signed an agreement to combine their 3G access networks in a ground-breaking collaboration that will lead to almost complete population coverage for 3G services across Britain. This is considered to be the world's largest known active 3G network sharing agreement. It significantly increased both operators' 3G network quality and coverage, accelerated the provision of new high-speed mobile broadband services and delivered substantial cost savings as well as environmental benefits.

By combining their 3G access networks (the mobile masts and infrastructure that connects to each operator's separate core network) T-Mobile and 3 UK have created Europe's most extensive high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) network. It furthers both companies' joint commitment to deliver true mobile broadband internet access in addition to reliable voice and text services.

Although masts and the 3G access networks are being combined, each company's core network and T-Mobile's 2G network will not be shared. Both parties will retain responsibility for the delivery of services to their respective customers and use their own frequency spectrum.

Services

Three (3) offers one of the cheapest mobile broadband packages on the market.

Regardless of the deal you choose, you will have to sign a 12-month contract. Before you make that commitment, check that you live in a 3G network area. You will not be able to cancel simply because you don't get good reception.