It has been roughly six months since the Competition and Markets Authority gave final approval to the merger of Vodafone UK and Three UK, creating the country's biggest mobile network by subscriber count. The newly branded VodafoneThree has now begun the slow process of combining its tariffs, infrastructure and retail estate - and customers on both sides are starting to feel the effects.
Tariff alignment is under way
Existing Three and Vodafone customers will keep their current contracts until natural renewal, but the network has confirmed that all new pay monthly and SIM only plans signed from 1 November 2025 are on "VodafoneThree" tariffs. These bring together Three's simpler unlimited data positioning with Vodafone's wider international roaming and entertainment perks.
Key changes so far
- New unlimited 5G plans start at £18 per month on 12-month SIM only
- Three's "Go Roam" is being rebranded as "Global Roaming" with 55 destinations included
- Vodafone's Xtra benefits (Disney+, Apple Music, etc.) are being offered to some legacy Three customers at renewal
- The Three brand will be phased out "over the next 24 months"
Network rollout commitments
As part of the CMA approval, VodafoneThree signed binding commitments to invest £11 billion in UK network infrastructure over the next decade, with a particular focus on standalone 5G and rural coverage. Ofcom will monitor progress against these commitments annually, and the network has already published a roadmap promising 99% 5G population coverage by the end of 2028.
Should you switch?
If you are an existing Three customer, there is no immediate reason to jump ship. Your current plan, price and perks are contractually protected until your minimum term ends. Vodafone customers are in the same boat. That said, if you are shopping for a new pay monthly contract, it is worth comparing the new VodafoneThree tariffs directly against EE's Unlimited 5G plans and O2's Ultimate bundles.
Looking ahead
The real test will come in late 2026, when the combined company begins decommissioning overlapping masts and rolling out shared 5G standalone coverage. Expect some early teething issues and keep an eye on Ofcom's quarterly complaint data - the regulator has a habit of naming and shaming the worst offenders.