Three
In a nutshell | ||
![]() Last updated October 2013 Three is the newest of the "big 4" networks in the UK and is the only network to operate a 100% 3G service. |
Summary
The network was launched in 2003 and upgraded significantly in 2008 so that it now covers 97% of the UK population. In addition to voice and data services, Three also offer mobile broadband services including mobile wi-fi.
Despite being the first UK network to launch a 3G service, it will be the last to offer 4G, with no plans to launch until December 2013.
User questions
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Three user reviews
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Average rating from 646 reviews:
Reviewed by Salah
from United Kingdom
on 11th Jul 2018
2018, I am facing issue with my signal, I can't use my mobile in my
house or my work, I contacted three, they said it is because of my
mobile ( iphone 5 ) we can not fix your issue, you have to upgrade,
they sold iphone 7 to me with big bill and 24 months contract, I still
have the same issue no signal!
I spent lots of time talking to
them about it, they do nothing, simply they said we can't fix your
issue, I asked them to terminate my contract they refused, today I was
talking to them again and they offered me to upgrade :D honestly I
feel lost :( what should I do? please if anyone knows what to do let
me know, is there any department helping people in this issues?
Rating:
Reviewed by Vic reeves
from Stilton
on 10th Mar 2018
Great super network with volte hd and super fast.
Rating:
Reviewed by A Hayes
from London
on 27th Feb 2018
I have been with Three for over 5 years and the service they have
provided me have been really good.
Rating:
Reviewed by A McDonald
from England
on 3rd Feb 2018
Almost 2 years ago dropped my bill from £30 to £21 and was
told that it was a new contract so old contract would be cancelled.
Well not so! Have been paying both bills for two years. First
complaint is that the person on the other end of the line pretended
they couldn’t understand what I was explaining to her and I had
to ask to speak to a manager. Was on for ages before they apologised
and said the person changing accounts had forgot to cancel the first
contract. A week later promised reimbursement had not materialised so
went through same process again. Same promise followed but not
followed through. Just got off phone once again and now have to wait
for the third time. The reason I dropped my bill was that the moment I
walk into work I lose signal for the rest of the day. If I want to get
a signal I have to walk around the car park. Text massages arrive
after I get home which is not good when someone expects to pick them
up after sending a text asking me to. Have been ill at work, had car
break down and/or have needed to contact family/hospital and not been
able to. This is beyond a joke. I never use my full internet
allowance, calls or texts.
Rating:
Reviewed by Pat
from United Kingdom
on 23rd Nov 2017
Incompetend and RACIST service on a "helpline".
Indoor network
coverage worse than poor.
I've got a problem with my network
signal at home. I reported it several times with no answer. I went to
Burton on Trent branch to ask why they sold me a product saying great
4G coverage in whole Burton and I can't even send a text message or
make a call when I'm at home. I've got no internet at home as well. At
Burton branch the guy was extremely rude and he said that it is not
their problem that I have a poor signal in my house. He said that
there are some works on making that coverage work better but nothing
has changed since I've been there half year ago. He also told me that
my 4G phone doesn't operate on 4G lol how it is possible that people
without basic knowledge about phones and stuff represent big company
like Three?
I've tried to report this problem using webchat and
I've had that big pleasure to speak with Amit. I spent an hour on
writing messages to him to clearly explain what my problem is and then
he asked me a few security questions. When I gave him all the answers
he started asking if I'm still here and when I said yes and why is he
asking he closed a chat window. I was in shock and I've tried again
with the same result he asked me few questions and then kept asking if
I'm still there and it doesn't matter that I did answer all his
questions he closed chat again. I made a screenshot before he closed
the chat to have a proof of what that racist done. After that I've
tried again but he blocked my permission to use 24/7 chat and it says
now that the chat is now available for me. I just couldn't believe
what happend so I found a phone number to the three helpline and I
rang them and before I finished explaining what has just happend a
person ended a call. I thought that I'm gonna explode. After that they
sent me a text message that my case has been registered and that's all
what they've done. I was waiting for about a week for a reaction but
nothing happend. I was with giffgaff before and I've had full 4G
signal everywhere and then I've made the worst decision to move to
three.
Strongly not recommended!
Racists Asians on a
helplines and web chat.
Worst service I've ever had.
Rating:
Reviewed by Richard Davis
from UK
on 16th Aug 2017
Slow downloads,average signal,overpriced tariffs.About what I would
expect from a mobile phone network.
Rating:
Reviewed by Steven
from United Kingdom
on 1st Jul 2017
Three have very poor coverage, i have cancelled within the 14 day
cooling off period which involved a 30minute conversation with someone
in the far east. no PAC can be provided for 2 to 3 days. i do not
recommend this company coverage is poor and customer service is
appalling.
Rating:
Reviewed by truth slayer
from honest place
on 14th May 2017
to expensive. coverage patchy. customer service need to learn
English.99℅ coverage not the truth does not mean country
coverage means population coverage very crafty.
Rating:
Reviewed by andrew boulton
from United Kingdom
on 7th May 2017
I'm just coming to the end of a 2yr contract with this shambles of a
company.when ever I've reached the end of my 15GB allowance it tells
me to buy an add on because that's the only way to use more data.the
last few months I've stuck to my 15GB limit and no add ons.on 30th
April 2017 I've apparently,knowing I'm out of data because the page
telling me to buy an add on appears,used 1256.00mb over my allowance.i
knew I'd had a week to go before my new allowance began but no I'd
apparently used data at £114.67.the first operator offered me
£20 credit.The second offered me £50 and 15GB at
£9.99?? Have I been mugged?? I've managed to get a cap secured
after 5 attempts.BEWARE OF THE CAP MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONE.
Rating:
Reviewed by Jade
from UK
on 1st Feb 2017
I have been with almost every phone provider and Three is by far the
worst I had to cancel the contract within the colling off period.
Three market an International sim so you can use calls, texts and data
abroad. Nowhere on the website does it mention this actually only
lasts for 2/3/4 (they still can't give a definite answer) until you
are charged premium rates for using your phone abroad. I cancelled and
have reported to ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) In addition to
get my PAC code took my 10 days of constant calling (average hold time
45 minutes) to be put through to Mubai and to be told no comprende on
most issues. A manager was due to call me back on 4 occasions during
this time. They are so unhelpful. I really can't believe their
service. Vodafone however text me my PAC code after leaving and their
wait time is merely 5 minutes. I think i'l rejoin. DO NOT go with
Three. They are an absolute Joke. also when you go into store they ask
to scan your passport before giving you a sim card. I find this highly
unnecessary (I mean it's not US border control And since three
recently suffered a hack I think its a consumers right to be more
careful as to where their uneccesary details are held.
Rating:
Reviewed by harjit
from london
on 22nd Dec 2016
Hi im using three since 8 years i was upgrading my contract and they
delivered my handset to wrong address then i spoken with three they
said we apologize we delivered ur handset to wrong address now nearly
20 days gone they still not given my handset everytime they saying
same story we r investigating but im faceing d problem they giving me
hassle without my fault im facing these things im totly fedup with
three network they just ignored me. SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH THEM
they dont lookafter d customer.
Rating:
Reviewed by Declan
from UK
on 15th Nov 2016
Years ago, I bought a skype phone which only Three had the network to
permit one to make skype calls from. This was in the early days of
things like skype on mobile phones. Anyway I was going on hols and
wanted to unlock my phone so I could stick a PAYG foreign sim in when
on hol, rather than then pay mega roaming charges, which were not
capped back then. It took 9 months and 128 calls for me to realise the
follow of Three's Indian call centre:
I will certainly
escalate your call = I am going for chaa and a dump, you can count on
me for nothing.
I will just pass you to my manager = Cleaner
come here, speak some concerned pleasantries to this English dog.
I see, you would like me to help as you don't understand how the
network operates = I will make something up and keep you on the phone
for 45mins while you and I trip over my circular lies.
I
can see from the myriad comments that in lord only knows how many
years, Three have been consistent in their "Customer Service"-
abominable. Only the third circle of hell would be sufficient
punishment for their moral dishonesty.
Three used to
owned by Hutchinson Telecom.
To get my phone unlocked, I
spoke to Ofcom, who told me they had offices in Glasgow. I spoke to BT
Enquiries and got their number and spoke to some British people, who
were charming and unlocked my phone in 2 weeks.
I am
considered swapping my network as my current service is patchy. Having
read all the feedback here, Three wont be the network I choose.
Rating:
Reviewed by jessica
from uk
on 14th Oct 2016
I hate three when I buy told me that not had a contract then came a
surprise 12-month contract hell.....
I paid £ 20 for
unlimited internet i know it's a small amount but I almost always not
have internet if not can of what promises to a low value so do not
promise what can not do, increase the value
if I have internet
for 2 weeks is much for those who thought would have the whole
month
I called to say had never internet the value go for
£15 worse problem now with internet and signal i in the last
month and have a week that I am almost no sign I hate this junk even
in Brazil's favelas not have this garbage.
Rating:
Reviewed by Robert
from UK
on 7th Jun 2016
I Havnt had the option of using three yet - and from the service
received so far just attempting to purchase a monthly contract chip -
I am very concerned over there processes --
First attempted to
purchase 12 month sim only transaction and Direct debit details appear
to have gone through - email welcome to three - appears in in box --
30 minutes later -- your transaction has not been processed -- please
continue with your transaction -- Followed link to site - completed
again - 3 days later get 2 letters from three containing sim cards -
one had another persons account details with the sim !! contacted
Three apparently I have applied for 3 three accounts - attempted to
cancel all contracts and the obsticals that are are put in the way -
(this is only 3 days after a Remote transaction that they have totally
screwed UP)-
Thats as far as i have got so far filled in the
email form -- But Cant do any thing online without activating one of
the sims don't even know who the The SIMs they sent me belong to!!!
So I have another customers address from a 100 miles Away In Milton
Keynes , order number, Sim, purchase order ect (Mary in Milton Keynes
I Believe I Have you SIM and account details here in Derbyshire)
Now -- To get the Sim and Contract connected to your direct debit you
cant even create an online account with three, as you don't get the
account details until the Sim is received (Mary I appear have yours
but THREE dont appear to be bothered) - and My so called other Sims
must have gone some where else with my Direct debits details attached
-- and Three do not appear concerned or want to do anything about it
with any urgency
Threes security protocols appear to be non
existent - which is very concerning regarding the amount of data the
mobile providers hold and transfer- but their attitude stinks just
referring to the "these are the terms and conditions of the contract"
-
and any to attempt to stop you from cancelling the contract
within the 14 days appears to be the aim of their customer
disservice.
Rating:
Reviewed by Lakshyam
from UK
on 18th May 2016
Increased my bill without any letter. Poor customer service.
Rating:
Reviewed by David saxon
from Uk
on 18th May 2016
Been royally stitched up by three. Sold a contract on the basis the
coverage of there network is first class. Only to find out this is not
the case. Cant get a signal at my house .complained but they are
unhelpfull and unsympathetic. Although i got back to the store as
quickly as i could 8 days later. They told me i was too late and the
only way they were prepared to terminate the contract would be if i
paid 120 pounds. This is despite the fact i had been sold a service
that i could not use. Do not get involved with this company . They are
clearly well versed in the art of deception. They will rip you off. Be
warned!
Rating:
Reviewed by Ian
from UK
on 15th Apr 2016
I have been with Three since 2003, was on a one plan £15 a month
just received a letter stating that this tariff is no longer available
new price £33 a month for the same service. spoke with customer
services I have now cancelled this contract to demonstrate that there
is no customer service. The customer is all ways right, I would urge
every one who has had there tariff changed to walk a way from this
company. ZERO STARS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Rating:
Reviewed by R McGinnes
from UK
on 12th Jan 2016
Appalling doesn't convey how bad this company is. Sure you'll get
lured in by the slightly lower rate and the roaming is a plus
but...
Don't expect to be able to make calls easily while in the
UK. More often than not you'll not be able to get a signal outside
even in areas indicated as good on their coverage map. Simple things
like sending and receiving texts are too much to ask it seems.
So call customer services and spend a lifetime waiting before you only
get someone reading off a script who'll invariably cut you off before
you've had change to explain things, so you can start the fun all
over. Definitely don't expect a solution, just be fobbed off with
excuse after excuse.
Escalating a complaint won't be any use
either, you'll most likely end up back where you started with no
record of your earlier calls being logged.
Rating:
Reviewed by Azeem
from Uk
on 11th Jan 2016
Really really really bad customer service will talk to you and the
system once wrong payment they block ur card and u cnt use ur phone
for weeks from 5 to 10 days never go for three it's may be cheap but
bad what's the point if u haveing problems ever months u will get mad
then Wat u have problems wish I can not gave u 1 star.
Rating:
Reviewed by Max
from uk
on 6th Jan 2016
Terrible service. BEWARE CHARGES.
I had a complaint last year of
an overcharge. To prevent the same happening again, they fitted a cap
to the account (which they said was fitted the first time). Then I
just got the bill below, even though the cap worked and cut the
internet. They claim there was no cap. This is just an outright lie.
Look at the charges. This is their response to my query (note it is
not possible for me to remove the cap, so this is just
lies):>..............
Thank you for writing to us. We
understand how it feels to have the unexpected charges on the bill.
I've checked your account and see that you're charged
£21.99 additional from your line rental. This charge was for
using the internet out of bundle. You're package allows you to use
15GB internet data, however your usage for the month November 2015 is
more than 15GB.
The total usage was 15640.693. I've
attached the bill as well for your reference. I see that there is no
spending cap on the account. You can reply to this email, if you want
us to put the spending cap on your account.
If you need
to get in touch with us about anything else, or have questions about
the information I’ve given you, please feel free to email us
back.
Thanks
Vikas Naik
Three Customer Services
Seriously. As though I accept this theft.
Rating:
Reviewed by matt
from uk
on 4th Jan 2016
DO NOT USE THEM !!!! ZERO STARS
DO NOT USE THIS DISHONEST
COMPANY, YOUR WARRANTIY WILL BE WORTHLESS, AND CUSTOMER CARE IS
APPALING THERE ARE MANY OTHER SMALLER COMPANIES WHO OFFER FAR BETTER
PRICES
Ie Vectone £10 a month for unlimited DATA and
TEXTS DO NOT USE THEM YOU WILL REGRET IT YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Rating:
Reviewed by Elina
from UK
on 8th Dec 2015
0 stars. Bad customer service. Facing same issue with connection for
more then 6 months. Excuses - new mast in a process, private land
owner dont grant access.
Rating:
Reviewed by Mo
from United Kingdom
on 10th Nov 2015
We've been with 3 for nearly 8 years and we have had good deals from
them. The contract we were on wasn't expensive as it was for me and I
generally don't use a phone too much. Recently they were upgrading
contracts and contacting customers. The way the customer service team
handled us was honestly disgusting and shameful. I would expect a
little better treatment for staying for so long, I wouldn't even wish
this treatment on new customers. The woman and guy we spoke to
increased the price of our simple plan of £8 to £22 a
month, after a year. I said there out of there mind when other
companies charge £10 for the plan we have. They said its
inflation and offered a terrible phone, I laughed at them for thinking
I'm an idiot. I asked to terminate, and sadly you need to contact
another a team. So you have a multi-billion pound company who can't
transfer you to a termination team, unless you wait the mandatory
45-60 minutes. Honestly we joined 3 from the beginning and have had
other families members who have been with them even longer. The
customer service is appalling now, before in the past after a long
argument and a lot time wasted you would get through to someone, now
they laugh and act smug about your problems and issues.
I will
list all the positives and negatives of this network for all people
who are looking to join them.
POSITIVES - Prices aren't
too bad and network in some areas is very good. 3 stores are in nearly
ever city so you can go to someone to sort minor issues with phones
and network (aka faulty phones). You can cap your contract which is a
huge bonus so you don't accidentally overspend, especially on internet
which is very easy to go over on. Add-on's are very easy to handle and
require visiting the website (can be accessed by phone) to add extra
texts or internet, and activate in less than 24 hours (personal
experience). A dedicated 3 app exists meaning all balances, payments
made and overspending can be seen very quickly. Can go in-store to
change your sim-card easily at a small charge, handy if you get a new
phone. You can access your account and 3 store even when you have ran
out of internet, to buy an add-on or check balance.
NEGATIVES - Loyalty is no longer rewarded, you will be treated like
garbage if you ask for more (even when escalated), they might throw in
a old phone from 2012 if your lucky, totally useless. Customer service
is horrible and you have to have plenty of spare time to get through
to anyone and even longer resolving an issue. All call centers are
based in Asia (based on every single call I've made or received from
them), just pointing this out for people who care about this. Network
is very hit and miss, in some areas its great and others terrible.
Indoor network is much worse compared to outdoors as well (a running
gag people made was if you want to make a call on 3, you need to leave
the building). Internet speed depends on the number of people in the
area, for example I had 20MB download speed near my house and in town
1MB on 4G. Tethering is not allowed on contracts as they have stated,
unless you buy there rip off sims for just this purpose.
I hope this has been helpful for people, I don't usually ever write
reviews but after all these years I believe this knowledge could be
helpful. As for me my contract has finished and will be moving on
:)
Rating:
Reviewed by mary
from United Kingdom
on 20th Oct 2015
Company you can recommend to your worse enemy - three mobile customer
service is just awful. 6x was calling about particular problem before
they fixed it.
Other thing Three mobile data signal is very
poor. Customer service says you need to contact department about, they
will check why signal is bad and will try to sort it out. This
department has excuse - your phone is faulty (in our case 7 phones
have the same problem with signal). We have situation when 9 people
are sitting in one room (iphone 4s, iphone 6, samsung s4, s5, s5, s6,
note2 on three mobile; iphone 4 and samsung s5 on other networks).
Three mobile's signal is coming and going on all phones - one minute
it is here, then dissappears, then again appears, it is jumping
between H, H+ and 4G. On all phones the same. Other networks
permanently have signal. We are located in London. Here is NO CHANCES
to get any help from three mobile. But three mobile will charge you
for nonexistent signal properly, 'because you signed contract with
us'. For them it is one side contract, they are not obligate to
provide service you were expecting when chose to get their
simcard.
Rating:
Reviewed by J
from UNITED KINGDOM
on 6th Oct 2015
I too heard of the 321 offer from Three network and thought it was a
good deal! My first purchase of £10 was fine as I was issued
with the free 150mb of internet data which (for me) was the equivalent
of 10 hours of viewing web pages. My second top-up was anything but
the same experience... because within 7 days of my top-up I had less
than £2 of credit remaining, even though my usage was exactly
the same - as previously stated!
Obviously I got right onto
Three who said that because I had 'ARGUED MY CASE WELL,' they would
reimburse me with a £5 credit, although I had INITIALLY asked
for a complete breakdown of my usage_ which wasn't provided! As they
couldn't provide me with an 'internet' breakdown, I kept a close eye
on my usage thereafter, only to discover that the £5 credit
(along with a further 150 free megabyte of data) disappeared from my
phone after only a few days, leaving me with zero credit???
LESSON LEARNED! These companies attract you in with these supposedly
'great' deals when they are anything but. The fact that Three customer
service is always difficult to engage with [i.e. network down] puts
you off bothering with them altogether. The best way of dealing with
these unscrupulous companies, is to say 'good riddance' to them all!
There is nothing worse than a disingenuous company!
Three are
aware also, that most people aren't diligent with their data usage, so
therefore cannot prove or argue their case in terms of usage,
especially where a customer has not registered their details with
them!!!!
As of today, I am searching for an alternative
provider... 'TELLO'(whom I stumbled on today) may well have been of
interest to me had they not insisted on my bank card details before
I'd even tested out their product?
seems as though my search for
a new provider continues...Stay away from Three!
Rating:
Reviewed by matt f
from uk
on 15th Sep 2015
DO NOT USE THIS DISHONEST COMPANY, YOUR WARRANTIY WILL BE WORTHLESS,
AND CUSTOMER CARE IS APPALING
THERE ARE MANY OTHER
SMALLER COMPANIES WHO OFFER FAR BETTER PRICES ie Vectone £10 a
month Unlimited DATA/TEXTS
DO NOT USE 3 YOU WILL REGRET
IT
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Rating:
Reviewed by Chris King
from United Kingdom
on 14th Sep 2015
I left O2 in May because I thought that they were being bought by
Three. Bad mistake.
I travel a lot, and earlier this
month in Germany I was without Mobile coverage for five days. I
thought that the phone was broken, but it started working again in the
UK.
I called Three - bad mistake number two. Their help
desk and internal escalation is really bad. It's not just that they
can't help, there's no empathy or engagement. I guess that they are
used to rolling out the bad news, reading from the card, day in, day
out.
The final result is that Three has tie-ups with only
three providers in Germany. None of these is Deutsche Telekom. They
say that if I have a problem I should ring them. I hope that you can
see the problem with this. When I finally explain that this is not a
helpful suggestion they say that I should ring and check in advance of
going to a country to see who they have a tie-up with. I'm in seven
European locations between now and Christmas, and Three really doesn't
get the idea that I don't want to play guessing games, or to ring in
advance of travel.
I just want my old O2 service back. I
think Three is probably good for some purposes, but it just doesn't do
what I need it to do. I'm thinking of cancelling the contract and
asking them to sue me if they want any money.
Ny advice
is to steer very clear, unless the service fits you better than it
fits me. They are very expensive outside their Feel at Home
locations.
Rating:
Reviewed by Scott
from UK
on 13th Sep 2015
Joined Three about a year ago after finally realising just how awful
Vodafone's data network was. On the whole it's been a much more
pleasant experience.
Good
Outdoor 3g coverage and
performance is in general very good.
Good value, I was one of
the last to get the £15 unlimited data and 200 minutes 30 day
sim only deal.
The wifi calling app is pretty usable.
Bad
Indoor coverage is mediocre, there will be more places
than say Vodafone where you will get no signal because they have no 2g
voice only network to fall back on.
4g rollout has been a
disaster and availability is very limited. Three(!) areas local to me
were on the planned list when I signed up, 12 months later none of
them have a whiff of 4g.
In busy areas, 3g performance drops of
noticeably due to congestion.
Their supervoice service looks
like it will not be available to non 3 supplied devices. This would
solve their indoor coverage problems at a stroke for me, so much for
#makeitright.
Prices have gone up considerably in the last 6
months, if the sale of O2 is approved then expect this to continue.
I have a PAC code but am undecided at the moment as to
whether to move simply because the other options don't look
particularly appealing.
The mobile telecoms market in the
UK offers poor service compared to those in other countries and badly
needs rebalanced to give customers more power when they don't get the
service they pay for.
Rating:
Reviewed by Linda udre
from England
on 4th Sep 2015
Where to start?!First of all me and my partner travel a lot, however
my phone havent worked in neither of theese places (Lanzarote, Egypt
,Corfu). Also i dropped my phone so the screen had to be replaced ,
call 3 rescue and was told that i would have to pay 100 excess and my
bill earlier if i wanted it done quick. So i did pay both payments,
but when my original bill date arrived i was charged agen. After
speaking to very unprofessional customer service rep i was told that
it could take phew days to receive my money back !!!!!!
Verry
upset and angry...
Rating:
Reviewed by Nasser
from UK
on 27th Aug 2015
3G network is tirapel + service very bad and In Some places they could
not provide u Internet inside your house they don't have indoor
coverage and customers service very bad they lie alot we r 8 people at
work have 3G we call them to complain about the network the answer was
😁 sorry so many Tourists using this service now as I live in
central London so they say when they leave the Internet will get
improve 😀 and customers Service in India I don't understand
any thing I think all Indain combany in London like talk talk not good
at all very rubbish service so from here I advise u guy to not full in
the same mistake cuz u will regret.
Rating:
Reviewed by J Murphy
from UK
on 27th Aug 2015
Bought this phone because Tesco would not deal with my problem of
having to wait a week to use my password on the phone I bought from
them. Bought yet another Samsung from Sainsburys. Galaxy 3mini. Cannot
get it to work. Keeps saying no network? Today, six days later, I get
a letter from Three showing my Agreement for Direct Debit. Again I
tried getting into Account. After several attempts I get the message
Site Not Available at the moment try again later.
Needless to
say, this phone is going back on Friday. I would rather be without a
mobile than buy a Samsung, Shop at Tesco, Shop at Sainsburys and
Definately not use Three.Co.UK
Rating:
Reviewed by Leanne Gardiner
from England
on 20th Aug 2015
Three are the most difficult company to deal with. I ordered a
broadband device to take away on holiday with me over the phone. I was
assured it would be delivered before I went on holiday. As it did not
turn up by this date I rushed to a Three store to pick up a new device
and in turn take out a new contract. I tried to cancel the contract
and was told they would log the call but I couldn't cancel until I
received the device or if I refused the device. On my return from
holiday the device had been stuffed in my letter box - I did not even
get the chance to refuse the device. I then called customer services
and after hours and hours of conversation over 5 days they still
refused to let me return the device. i went back to the store I bought
the 2nd device from and they tried reasoning with Three on my behalf
however the call centre still refused to accept the device back. After
numerous more calls eventually and emails eventually Three said I
could send the device back. I sent the device back and am now being
chased for an outstanding balance on my account, even though I set up
a direct debit?? I am now suffering with panic attacks as I honestly
don't know what to do.
Rating:
Reviewed by Hannah Smithies
from UK
on 29th Jul 2015
They rolled me onto a payment plan that cost me the same per month as
my contract that also paid off my phone loan (£35) with
insufficient notification. So far so most phone companies. Not fair at
all - but many do this.
However, they also charged me a
cancellation fee of £25 to get out of the new payment plan,
which I wasn't asked to confirm going on - after my contract had
finished!
Is this misselling?
Must be said
that the manager on the phone was v sympathetic and conciliatory, but
it doesn't change the fact that the company is shockingly
bloodthirsty.
#makeitright my behind. Not sure I trust
all the bland 5* reviews below at all...
Go to O2 or
giffgaff or go sim only instead!
Rating:
Reviewed by Amy Derrrick
from Uk
on 16th Jun 2015
I have been with 3, for many years now, convinced my whole family to
convert to 3. However the last few months have been shocking, the
customer service has been disgusting unless speaking to a manager.
Firstly my ex partner ( that I have not spoken to for 2 years)
somehow got an upgrade using my account details, which 3 authorised.
With this I tried to cancel it and the contract which apparently I
could'n t do!! After 12+ phone calls, shouting, tears and being
emotionally drained, I got through to a manager who finally could
help. The service I received before him, was awful, I have never known
anything like it!
I then received a slight discount as
compensation, which then the wrong handset got delivered, with this I
called and got advised could change the delivery address- 4 calls
later and being put through to yet another manager, I got it changed!
I think 3 need to look at what their teams are suggesting and advising
to their customers, as I only followed instructions given by 3!! I
think it's hilarious how they can authorise an upgrade without my
permission but when it comes to my convenience then there always seems
to be an issue or security reasons- UNREAL!
Extremely
disappointed and major trust issues as the moment with my current
network of 5 years!!
Rating:
Reviewed by Chris
from uk
on 31st May 2015
I use a 3 mifi and it works nearly everywhere in France 3G and up to
now at home and around so I can't a complain it's on 10g sim only.
Rating:
Reviewed by Meadow
from United Kingdom
on 27th Apr 2015
Forgot to say in the previous post...
I was charged for a
call that I didn't make - the alleged call was made during the wee
hours to someone I didn't know, while I was asleep in a locked room
and my phone was turned off!
I was also charged for a
call to my landline while nobody was home so the call wasn't picked
up. Still I was charged.
To sort out the above I was
charged £5.40 for calling "Customer Service" when in fact, they
had invited me by text to phone them, even stating that the call would
be FREE. It wasn't free.
Rating:
Reviewed by Meadow
from United Kingdom
on 27th Apr 2015
BEWARE!! On their website, Three claim in big bold colorful letters,
"Use your phone abroad at no extra cost". However, what they DO NOT
tell you up front, (you have to dig deeper to find this out) is that
you have to PURCHASE a 30 day 'add-on' for this privilege of using
your phone abroad "at no extra cost". Well, this ISN'T at no extra
cost if you have to PURCHASE an add-on. And if your travels exceed 30
days, you have to PURCHASE ADDITIONAL 'add-ons', all which are packed
with a time bomb to self destruct whether you use them or not, causing
you to have to BUY them again and again. HOW is THIS "at no extra
cost"? Simple answer, it isn't.
They further state, "Your
device is ALREADY set up to use your 'allowance' abroad at no extra
cost." So doesn't that mean I am good to go? Apparently not! When I
began using my phone abroad, it was more than obvious that I was no
longer being charged the rates promised. After two months of useless
emails, unprofessional phone calls and misleading texts from Three's
customer service, I finally got SOMEBODY to say, "You have to BUY an
'add-on' to get the 'at no extra cost' rates." How ludicrous!
So I correctly conclude that my 'allowance' is NOT the credit I
have on my phone which I previously purchased; my 'allowance' is an
'ADD-ON' which I was SUPPOSED to have purchased in ADDITION to this.
Who knew? Three say, "Use your phone abroad at no extra cost". They
SHOULD SAY.. "Use your phone abroad at no extra cost AFTER YOU'VE
PURCHASED one of our time limited, self destructing, whether you've
used it or not 'ADD-ONS'"! But of course, they don't want to tell you
this and they hope you won't notice what you're being charged.
A Pay-As-You-Go customer
Rating:
Reviewed by kathy
from uk
on 24th Apr 2015
Terrible customer service. every time you ring you have to repeat
everything. their right hand has NO IDEA what the rest of them are
doing. Dont join.once they have you on books they don't give a toss as
bout your prroblems.
Rating:
Reviewed by Dave
from Cornwall, UK
on 14th Apr 2015
Been having a nightmare with this company. Latest is no phone signal
for 4 days every week and pathetic internet data signal too. I am
trying to run a business and it is now failing due to the appaling
service i am receiving.
Its impossible to get in touch with them
as none of my devices work anymore.
Steer well clear is my
advice.
Rating:
Reviewed by Alamgir
from UK
on 21st Mar 2015
Been with three for 7 years and lately their customer service is
terrible they treat you like a new customer and offer you rubbish
deals. Also their network signal is terrible for the price you pay,
which shows that you are better off going to another network.
Rating:
Reviewed by Kieran
from UK
on 7th Feb 2015
Great signal
Reliable
Fast data
Cheap
Rating:
Reviewed by Lang
from UK
on 21st Jan 2015
We bought a Three mobile phone, It has been an absolute disaster: no
coverage anywhere in our area (although Three's web site claims good
coverage) Three provided us with a booster which was meant to improve
coverage. It did not. Tried to use phone on a trip abroad. It did not
work. Tried calling their help line. it did not work. We tried
downloading a "Three in touch" app which was meant to improve things.
It did not work. I could go on and on!
I note that other
users have similarly bad experience of three. My advice" don't touch
this product under any circumstances.
Rating:
Reviewed by Alan Dixon
from UK
on 8th Jan 2015
Hands down the worst network with both signal and customer service
Beware 1. This network is rubbish and drops more calls and
has no reception and is 100% the weakest network out there in my eyes
and i have tried them all. Don't compromise cost for a poor signal.
Beware 2. Their customer service is based in India and they
are like robots. They are trained o say exactly the same thing. I am
100% anti racist but all i'm saying is the customer service is remote
and like talking to a computer that just does not listen like
humans.
Beware 3. When you cancel if you are getting a
PAC code beware! Aside from me asking them to cancel my contract I
asked them for a PAC code (again lack of communication from foreign
Robot) if the PAC code is not used, even though you have told them you
are leaving, they continue to charge you for 4 months after and will
not offer a refund saying its in there T+C's. If you get a PAC code
use it on day 1 because the clock is ticking. If you use it they will
charge you a month from the date you use it anyway and if you don't
they continue charging you monthly so beware!!!
Apart
from my Rant above all i can say is they are not only incompetent
technically with their poor network their customer service is beyond
shocking and beyond understandable. Absolute Joke!!!! Do not go with
3
Rating:
Reviewed by Alex mahmoud
from United Kingdom
on 21st Dec 2014
I hate this company being dealing with them for 3 years network
coverage is very bad and low and customer service they can't do
anything to useless
Rating:
Reviewed by Michael
from United Kingdon
on 8th Oct 2014
I have been a customer of many mobile phone network providers and I
have never come across a company as bad as Three in my life. In 2009 I
did not make a payment for one of my bills which was £68 as
three over charged me and I did not get any network signal at my house
for several month, with no one willing to sort anything out. They
eventually made me make the payment of £68, but then to my
surprise once payment was made I had a DEFULT on my credit history
which stays there for 6 years. I called up and was told this would be
removed, 5 years later to my surprise this DEFULT is still on my
credit file. I spoke to them in depth today and the person I spoke to
MR STEPHEN LOUGHERY who claimed he was a manger, he refused to help me
and would not pass me on to someone that could help.
frankly I
would say do not USE three and do not speak to a MR STEPHEN LOUGHERY.
VERY VERY VERY POOR SERVICE.
Rating:
Reviewed by me
from uk
on 19th Jul 2014
I'm a pay as you go customer as i am a mid/light user so i was taken
with the 321 rates, went into a 3 store only to be told by the
"advisor" that 3 do not offer pay as you go and i would be best on a
sim only deal, and yes i did hear correctly as had someone with me,
she did say that they do not offer pay as you go and tried to steer me
onto a £18 per month plan, i said i wasn't interested and left
it there and decided to try another 3 store as i liked the sound of
the payg plan and thought perhaps it was just this particular
"advisor" on entering another 3 store i told the "advisor" my needs
etc and she turned and said "why pay as you go?, we offer much better
contracts/sim only which are much better value" eh hello love, i have
told you i want payg, if i wanted a contract or sim only i would have
asked for that. All in all has put me off joining 3 as they clearly do
not want my custom and do not listen to their customer needs and can
only imagine they are told to push contracts/sim only to reach their
sales targets. I thought they promised much too but there is no way i
will go near them after that experience, if that's what "customer
service" is like before i buy i can only imagine what it is like
afterwards oh well 3 i have taken the £300 i was prepared to
splash out on a new phone for myself to one of your competitors and am
reasonably happy, ok paying slightly more but it's worth it for decent
customer service. And before anyone says that 3 wouldn't have said
that they did not offer pay as you go, the "advisor" did infact say
that which is a blatant lie.
Rating:
Reply by dean
from uk
on 31st Dec 2014
Hi thete you should have justed orderd a sim online i did useless these phone shops are all they try to do is get people into a contract
Reviewed by ovoxo
from UK
on 8th Jun 2014
I've been with 3 for 2 years. So after my initial contract ended I was
qualified for an upgrade. I did this over the phone and my phone was
delivered within a day. However, it was delivered with the wrong Sim
card!! A micro, pay as you go Sim with a different number.
This was not compatible with my iPhone 5s. This was very
disappointing, as I required the phone ASAP! Being without a device
nowadays is a total burden many would agree. I called the 3 helpline
many times, and the advisors kept telling me it would take 3-5 working
days. That would mean an extra week without having a phone; this was
not ideal as I felt I was owed a better deal, as it was their initial
mistake that led me to the current conundrum.
I spoke to
the manager who kept saying he understood, I have no idea from what
perspective, as I was the one who had to go on without a phone. He
then offered my £20 to my 3 account; I don’t know how this
is applicable as the phone is under a contract. Nevertheless, the
contract had begun the day the phone was delivered with the wrong sim.
After long conversations they still told me 'nothing could be done'.
This was an all in all disappointing experience; they
made no effort to help me with getting my phone on time despite this
fact that it was their mistake.
When this contract ends I will
no longer be using 3, the data packages seem attractive - all you can
eat. However, all that glitters is not gold.
Rating:
Reviewed by Linda
from England
on 5th Jun 2014
My 3 coverage was bad at work but then so was every network except
that boosted by a vodaphone booster (the company network). At home I
had to sit near window for 'mobile' calls but I'd had the same issue
with Orange. Then 3 signal improved and I was reasonably happy.
Next thing I get a postcard re TV Freeview reception informing me that
4G was coming to my area and may impact TV reception, from that time
my 3 signal has deteriorated, my calls repeatedly fail mid call and I
often get No internet messages even though my phone shows I have
network and. 3G.
One 3 shop told me the old switch it on/off
routine and said there were issues with the network which were being
fixed that night- funny coincidence? He also let slip that I was the
7th person complaining about the network in that shop on that day!
Last week went to another 3 shop who said I needed a signal booster
provided free if I rang customer services - no such luck they asked
where I was having the network problems then said there were no
reported network issues so it must be my phone and I need to reset the
network settings for my phone trouble is I don't know the 4 digit pass
code as it's a long time since I got this phone.
Beware of
sales people saying a phone upgrade is the answer if the problem's the
3 network then all you've done is tie yourself up in another contract.
Then went to one of the multi network phone shops who told me
that 3 have been having difficulty resolving network issues since they
moved to 4G plus side is that he offered to buy out my contract if I
took a new phone contract through his shop obviously trading in my
phone as part of the deal. I'm seriously considering this as my next
step.
Rating:
Reviewed by Jura
from UK
on 25th May 2014
I'm without my number for around 48 hours, because of misselling!
I was switching from PAYG (three) to a contract (three) and I've
been told that my number transfer to a new sim will be immediate,
without any waiting, because it's on the same network. (and it's not
something I misheard, my phone records all calls automatically, so I
have a proof!)
Now I have no idea who wants to contact me and by
the nature of my job I don't know some people calling me and I can't
notify them about another number just for couple days. Therefore I
most probably loosing a lot now and I have to disturb a lot of people
about temporary number.
Technical support couldn't give me any
solution at all.
Will leave company, which is lying to
customers, ASAP!
Also signal indoors is very bad and disappears
sometimes.
Plus my friend told me that he had problem with
roaming abroad.
Rating:
Reviewed by Jane
from uk
on 15th Apr 2014
average signal cover but the worst customer service ever, based in
Indiacall center which is not a problem but everything is read of a
script and there is no help or flexibility. Fine if you don't have a
problem with your phone, upgrades or service or bill. If you do and it
involves any format of refund. Good luck. ..3 will give you 2
fingers.
Rating:
Reviewed by Special little Indian boy
from India
on 7th Mar 2014
I worked for 3 for quite sometime now and realised that the cust
service we provide is good or horrible depending on the caller...ie
If a cust has called in the last 30days then he has already
answered feedback and won't get the message again..the advisor taking
the call (in India) realises this and knows this call can't help nor
destroy his personal score...so he is left with a job to get rid of
the caller...asking a cust to switch off the phone and switch it on
after a min to reboot the cell works every time like a charm...for
network or tech issues...
The advisor can then move to the next
caller who either is a fresh caller(not called CS in last 30 days) and
will provide a heavenly service hoping to woo the cust and at the end
of the call upsell him offers and transfer to the sales team for a
additional contract with a phone or ipad...
Even if u leave bad
feedback..the best u may receive in return is a guy/gal in India
abusing your name for the feedback u may hav left in a comment and the
score ...
The msg gives u a option to rate the advisor b/w 1 to
10...with 1 being lowest and 10 highest..but the advisor requires a 9
or a 10 or anytin else just harms and drops/destroys his performance
and incentives for the whole month...
So it's always best to get
on the good side of the advisor by complementing or flattery bat India
and what a great job they are doing...cheers and best of luck since if
ya with 3 you most probably are stuck till the end if your
contract...unless you can pay for remainder months line rental of your
contract...
Cheers from special little Indian boy
Rating:
Reviewed by Mark
from UK
on 16th Feb 2014
Having been with both Orange and T Mobile, I found the signal even
under the new EE, pretty poor all over the place. I was advised by a
few people at work to try Three, so I switched from T Mobile, and
moved onto a sim only deal, £12.90, 200 mins, 5000 texts, and
unlimited data. What can I say, superb signal everywhere I have been,
and in Manchester now we have 4G for no extra cost. If like me you buy
and change phones a lot, get yourself a sim only deal from Three. No
commitment 30 days at a time!
Rating:
Reviewed by christopher l m davies
from wales, uk
on 12th Jan 2014
Had a 2 year contract with three, after setting the direct debit with
them, they took 12 upfront payments of £47 (£564) which
absolutely rinsed my bank account straight away, called them up and
they told me i had to prove it before they refunded me, they wanted me
to scan my passport and driving licence, my monthly bank statements
and a letter from natwest showing that it was them (hutchinson 3g
communications) that done this, I reluctantly canceled my contract
straight away and now have a debt collection agency chasing me for the
remainder of the contract, am £564 less than when I started and
had a "default" next to my credit score so I'm struggling to get
another contract, how are these fools allowed to do this?
Currently in the process of going to court over this!
Christopher L M Davies
Rating:
Reviewed by nikki
from uk
on 7th Dec 2013
I love three!!!
Good value. Good service coverage (in my area)
I have speeds up to 21mps wow!!
Have called customer service (India) they were really helpful and
knowledgeable.
Really happy with three.
Rating:
Reviewed by terry
from UK
on 26th Nov 2013
indoor reception abysmal, outdoor acceptable if you are in the town. Was told that local signal was overpopulated. Support from India / south africa poor
Rating:
Reviewed by stephen
from UK
on 3rd Sep 2013
Been on contract with 3 for nearly three years now and its the best network ive been with. Would recommend to anyone.
Rating:
Reviewed by Jay
from UK
on 2nd Sep 2013
Been without network for over a month-no service nothing, made complaints but people in India are limited in what they know and can do. one said it was because this was Devon and the network was 'saturated' !!!!! No. Another said there was a problem but didn't know what. How can they sell you a phone and 'service' that is not fit for purpose? Will NEVER get a 3 phone contract again - stick to Orange - I was with them before and wish I had never switched.
Rating:
Reviewed by ste
from UK
on 28th Jun 2013
Been with 3 for 2 years now. Brilliant network. Signal great around Liverpool and never had any problems. Would reccomend
Rating:
Reviewed by raed
from UK
on 9th Jun 2013
I was jumping from network to other but never had experience with 3 I tried Vodafone and o2 and.. I made a contact with 3 because they were the only network to provide an unlimited internet I had the worse experience with them I changed lot of telephone as I thought the phone was problem their network are rubbish their internet is ridiculous maybe their price are good but all the rest was nothing even their customer service was promising but to be honest was same them connecting I will make a party when I'll finish my contract with them
Rating:
Reviewed by tony from uk on 2nd Jun 2013
DO NOT USE. I got a 3 dongle for my computer, it worked to start with
then it kept crashing. There call centres are in india and they will
not transfer to an english speaker and they are not engineers, they
also had a set speech, so I stopped paying because they did not provide
me with a service. They said they would not put me through to customer
service until I paid my bill, catch 22. Now they have debt collectors,
at one point 2 debt collector after me. (had to give 1 star because
thats as low as it went)
AVIOD.AVOID.AVOID.
Rating:
Reviewed by Richard M
from UK
on 2nd Jun 2013
Phoned to request PAC code and very efficient , friendly service. Shame I had to leave simply because coverage is patchy where I work ( why I dropped a star ) . Was with them on PAYG for about a year with no problems . Apart from work, signal very good and fast 3G elsewhere where other providers couldn't achieve. Customer care very good.
Rating:
Reviewed by thomas roberts
from UK
on 20th May 2013
The network has been out of action at my office for over four weeks now. Every time you ring customer services you get told a different thing, none of which is honoured. If there was a rating for lying they would get five stars. I suggest nobody ever signs a contract for telephone services with this company, they will bill you but not provide the service.
Rating:
Reviewed by Peter Challis
from UK
on 6th May 2013
Switched from O2 to Three as wanted to have a PAYG service and wanted good "value for money". Three et that criteria with my usage pattern (mainly text and data). Initial activation on Three service looked good, but when I tried to port my old mobile number to them they got it badly wrong and I ended up being unable to make calls. There problem analysis and action plan was to do a full hardware reset of my phone (clearing out all the apps I'd installed) and to get a replacement SIM card. After doing all this I still had the problem and so decided to switch to another supplier as I needed to have a working phone. Three said I had a "known problem" and could not give me a fix time. Then it really went bad - my phone number switched to the new supplier, but Three managed to keep my number active on Three as well, so I had to carry 2 phones with me. After 3 weeks they had still not sorted out the problem - I was ringing them every 2 days for an update and it was always "we are very sorry" and "we'll sort it out in another 2 days" (but they never did). In the end I just decided to get a new telephone number with the new supplier and leave the old number to die with messages on both voice mail systems. Three are refusing to give me a refund - instead only offering credit on a future purchase - am escalating to ombudsman. As far as signal is concerned, the Three signal is not too bad but is more patchy than other suppliers (especially for voice/text) as there is no 2G signal to fall back on.
Rating:
Reviewed by Chris Stroe
from UK
on 29th Apr 2013
I've made a stupid mistake and got a contract on 3 because of the unlimited internet (and tethering).I did not think that this days in London you can't have signal.From the first day i did not have coverage at work at all almost.I've had to go outside to make a call.They've cut down my contract from £35 to £30 but still no good .After a year I've decided to sell the phone and pay the rest of the contract.I was thinking it will be simple why should they have a problem with that? It wasn't like that I've called them to cancell and they did not want to take my money around £300.I was on the phone for more then one hour trying to convince the lady to give me my PAC code after I make the payment.Her answer was NO NO NO and NO we will try to do something for you bla bla .....I've said PLEASE at least 50 times in that hour.I was so nervos.In the end she gave me the code and I payed what was left of the contract.Now I am on orange-juge diference.... My advice is this: 1)Before you get a contract check that you have coverege by buying a sim pay as you go first.(cheaper then cancelling contract after few months). 2)DONT GO with 3 3)orange or O2 are much better but no unlimited internet (wich you dont use anyway if is no coverage). -
Rating:
Reviewed by ashwani
from UK
on 10th Apr 2013
Just used for 10 days and it drove me crazy. No network at home, fluctuating network at work but zero data connectivity. Couldn't even perform a speed-test as the connection doesn't last for even few seconds. Extremely poor customer care, go by the book attitude and don't listen to the customer. Kept sailing useless options of buying another handset, upgrade plan or transfer the painful plan to a friend, now who does that? Cancelled within 10 days of purchasing but no concession.
Rating:
Reviewed by Tim from UK on 24th Mar 2013
ive been with 3 for many years now because of their excellent value
price plans and have always been really pleased. in 8 years i have only
had one experience of signal issues and that was due to them carrying
out work on a mast in the area. They refunded some of my monthly bill
for the hassle.
Ive just upgraded to the sony z on the one plan (i tether for my home
internet connection) and the signal is amazing. since they have started
upgrading the network to ultrafast (like 4g) i now get between 5-8 mg
speeds at night and in the morning i can get 13mbs!!!
The customer service has always been good overall and if you want additional
phones/tablets/dongles on another contract they do REALLY cheap deals-
if you do it through customer services and not in a 3 shop.
I used to be with vodafone and o2 in the past, but I wont be leaving
3 anytime soon
Rating:
Reviewed by jon
from UK
on 5th Mar 2013
i used to have good network coverage and then it stopped. 2 months later I have no coverage and only 50% coverage when i travel throughout the UK. A complete swizz and disgrace and for the long term contract it is almost fraud. Avoid like the plague.
Rating:
Reviewed by PETER
from UK
on 3rd Mar 2013
CURRENTLY NO NETWORK IN MY HOME AREA, NO MOBILE PHONE SERVICE NO INTERNET BUT THEIR SITE SAYS NO WORK GOING ON BUT CUSTOMER SERVICE IN INDIA SAYS COULD BE DOWN FOR 15 DAYS!! HAD TO DRIVE 5 MILES TO BE ABLE TO USE LAPTOP WITH MOBILE DEVICE. WASTE OF TIME CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE & PROMISED A CALL BACK BUT STILL WAITING. ROLL ON END OF CONTRACT I WILL BE GOING ELSEWHERE!
Rating:
Reviewed by Steve
from UK
on 15th Feb 2013
If you do one good thing with your life it will be avoiding these con merchants. As everyone else has put, shocking customer service, by shocking I mean ignored every email, tweet everything I have sent to them, the reason why I have sent complaint after complaint is because of their even worse signal, seriously if you want my advice create your own telecoms company and you be better off failing that two cans and some string as that's what you'll be getting used to if you choose this network.
Rating:
Reviewed by Gilly Winter
from UK
on 6th Feb 2013
I just signed up with 3 unfortunately there was a very poor signal and I was unable to make or receive any calls. Contacted them customer service was very poor, and insist that I pay them for the full 12 months if I end my contract I only signed up about three weeks ago. What can I do? Dont ever go to 3!!!!
Rating:
Reviewed by Sophie
from UK
on 7th Dec 2012
Three have terrible customer service and poor security. My account was hacked and someone ordered an upgrade without my permission. Their staff were rude and unhelpful in dealing with the problem, I was repeatedly told that someone from the investigations team would call me but they never did. I only found out the problem was solved when I got a call from their sales team asking me if I wanted to upgrade! All I wanted to do was cancel the account, but they wouldn't let me until they'd got back the phone they'd sent out, so for a while I was paying two contracts event though it wasn't my fault. They said the fraud was a one off but a quick search on the internet shows that it has happened to several people recently.
Rating:
Reviewed by ghandi gandu kala koota
from UK
on 20th Nov 2012
my line rental is 35 pounds with 2500 mins x network, unlimited to 3, unlimited txts, and unlimited internet all for 35 pounds, but some how my bill is always over 90 pounds.
Rating:
Reviewed by tony holland
from UK
on 16th Nov 2012
Had a htc wildfire unable to use it for work purposes ie as a remote computer ie team viewer or get skigo etc so bought a samsung s3 i thought great but unable to get a signal at work or my local place at home so im no better off unless i go with vodaphone htc phone again at least i could get the internet ! Not at all happy with 3 mobile coverage.
Rating:
Reviewed by Louise ward
from UK
on 4th Nov 2012
I was with 3 for a year and they have easily the worst customer service I've ever encountered. Couldn't get a signal in my own home which they couldn't fix for several weeks and even then it was temperamental. My compensation for this was £5. As my contract was due to end I rang to cancel and was told I was late in telling them as I need to give 30 days notice, meaning I have to pay an extra bill even though it is entirely their fault I was cancelling in the first place. The customer service was so shocking I couldn't even bring myself to call up for my puc code when leaving. STAY AWAY FROM 3!!
Rating:
Reviewed by Ronald Archer
from UK
on 4th Nov 2012
been with 3 for 16 months had problems with accesing the internet from day one ,continually complaining to customer services but always get fobbed off ,recently they just cut me off.now i find that i can't acces the internet at peak times or when i get on my speed is so low its virtually unusable
Rating:
Reviewed by John Duffy from UK on 25th Oct 2012
I have been with 3 since Feb 2011 on a 24 month all you can eat data
plan with a free HTC desire HD now running 2.3.5 gingerbread. (HTC have
deemed not to upgrade the HD desire to ICS). 3 network in London & east
Kent, good, strong signal and mostly reliable. When we had a weekend
outage they immediately reduced the monthly bill. Service is good when
any query arises and all in all its probably the best of all the networks
I have been with (which is all!. I really like the all you can eat data
plan, when my BT broadband was frequently down, the portable wifi on
the HTC with 3 data plan meant I was never off line! I would recommend
the network, but am looking for a good deal in Feb to stay with them.
Rating:
Reviewed by Steve from England on 14th Oct 2012
I moved from O2 to 3 when I got my Galaxy S3, the principle reason being
the All You Can Eat data with the contract. Had I read the reviews here
I would never had gone with this network but so far, it's all been positive.
Network coverage in my area is at least as good as O2 and in a lot of
places actually better. The contract I'm on could not be matched by
any other network and the data allowance really is unlimited! Fancy
streaming the football on Sky Go? No problem.
I had one slight hitch when there was a short delay transferring my
number from O2 to 3, but otherwise it's been great. I hope I'm not tempting
fate, but the service from 3 so far warrants five stars...
Rating:
Reviewed by samjarno from Kent, UK on 27th Sep
2012
I have been with Three for 9 years and had the following phones: Motorola
E1000, LG CU500, LG U400, Nokia 6280, SE C902, SE K770i and the iPhone
3GS. I could never fault the price of the deals which is why I remained
with them for so long but the customer service is frustrating. Everytime
I have contacted them with an issue I have had to repeat myself over
and over again. They are based in India and read from a script. Whenever
my contract has been due for an upgrade they have been very pushy. They
have allowed me to downgrade my price plan due to poor quality of service
but only after several months of complaining. They were never going
to allow me to cancel my contract without paying them the full amount
even though I can not get a 3G signal within 50 metres of my home. The
coverage is OK in major urban areas but poor outside of this. They have
tried to charge me before for sending multiple text messages and for
making calls outside of my allowance. I have always disputed this and
have always been compensated.
Rating:
Reviewed by Colin Redstone from Scotland on 7th
Sep 2012
I approached 3 to purchase a high spec smartphone for my son and two
lower spec ones for myself and wife. I was hoping for a single contract
and a good deal. 3 offered a good deal on rates for 3 units but refused
a single contract. The sales person insisted on 3 contracts and insisted
on 3 separate credit checks for each DD which were all on the same bank
account! Throughout our discussions I asked several times about upfront
costs and was assured there were none. Not until I had signed the contract
for my son's mobile and was about to sign contracts for the other two
did he say "Oh by the way there is a £150 deposit on these handsets".
Apparently it would have been refunded in 6 months time. You can imagine
my reaction at this attempt at the oldest trick in the dodgy saleperson's
book!
So I ditched the two low spec models and simply took the one for my
son as he was about to disappear off to Uni and despite my outrage was
still the best deal around. I complained to 3 (yes - a call centre in
India) who agreed to send me a written note on the results of our discussion
and surprise surprise the e-mail bears no resemblance to that conversation.
I shall be watching for price hikes as noted by other reviewers. My
strongest advice is avoid 3 if you possibly can and I am now really
nervous that they have a DD on my account. I keep kicking myself that
I kept my son's mobile and that I am their customer at all.
Rating:
Reviewed by Dez from UK on 4th Sep 2012
It was good for the first few months.. However, the network connection
has been intermittent for three weeks now and I've already informed
Three tech support but there's no help at all!!!!
Rating:
Reviewed by DR FL from UK on 29th Aug 2012
AVOID THIS RUBBISH COMPANY LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!! Do not be taken in by
any of the offers they appear to be able to provide...once they reel
you in there is absolutely no costumer service and you end up banging
your head against the wall speaking to some powerless call centre in
India with apparently NO ONE to speak to based in the UK. I have been
with them for 2 years now and have had nothing but trouble and will
be reporting them to OFCOM for taking money out of my account illegally!!
Stick to a reputable company like orange who have excellent customer
service and UK based staff!!
Rating:
Reviewed by diane from neath on 29th Aug 2012
I too was caught with the price increase on a fixed term contract and
I was only 2 months into a 24 monthly contract. As I told the operator
on the line that at the moment I couldn not afford to pay it off but
that I would not be on a contract forever and I would remember when
it comes to renewing. The next time it will be a monthly rolling contract
that I will have. Three themselves are no better or worse than all the
other providers the signal where I live is ok and their unlimited internet
is good for a smart phone
Rating:
Reviewed by John from Uk on 21st Aug 2012
Agree 100% with comment on price increase. Rang Customer Services who
said that all providers do this. I have never seen this before and will
look for another network at the end of my contract. Ps My son was on
Pay as you Go with three but has left to go to Tesco Mobile.
Rating:
Reviewed by Roo from UK on 17th Aug 2012
Have been with 3 on a an "all you can eat" since Dec 11. My experience
is that mobile signal and 3G coverage is no better than average although
I've had no download issues when there is a signal.
My biggest issue is that 3 cannot honour the simplest term of their
contract - the price. They have imposed a price increase (yes on a contract)
within the first year. It may have gone up by only inflation but this
is within 8 months of the contract start. At this rate they can squeeze
in another 2 price rises before the contract expires.
Although their terms and conditions allow them to do this (well of course
they do!) while the customer has no recourse, it is a cynical and blatant
disregard for the spirit of a contract.
The very simple fact is if they could not afford to honour the contract
(hmm - just watch their profits rise) they should not have offered it
in the first place.
Their customer services aren't interested and the service they offer
is generally poor.
It's a personal choice who you go with on a contract but buyer beware
- you will have no idea how much you will end up paying with 3!
Rating:
Reply by DRB from UK on 27th Aug 2012
They all do this. Orange have done it for all customers very recently.
Reviewed by zee from Birmingham on 1st Aug 2012
The worst network ever in my life. Weak signal, call dropping and no
signal at all at most places should be the logo for three. I have for
last 10 months and now having severe problems with network. I tried
to complain to network technical team about this and waited for 30 mins
for call to be answered and was fed up with there music, unfortunately
has to disconnect. My honest advice.... Go anywhere but not 3.
Rating:
Reviewed by Mairi-Therese from England on 30th
Jul 2012
Recently moved from tesco sim monthly to three as I wanted a new phone
and feel its the worst mistake ive made. They said i had three bars
of signal in my area so should have no trouble calling or texting, and
that they had the fastest mobile internet out there topping that of
tesco or o2. Have found that I can get no signal what soever in my house
and very hard to get internet out and about which seems only able to
surf the web or stream low qualty youtube videos. At least my package
was reduced from £25 to £20 but found after calling support they said
wait a few days and theyd call me back to check, a week later they called
and guess whos stuck with the phone for 2years.... Don't waste your
time, tescos and o2 where ten times better for me.
Rating:
Reviewed by dom from central london on 20th Jul
2012
appalling coverage in london intermittent 6times its drooped service
without any explanation avoid this company like the plague they don't
care about service customer or fact no internet for days at the time
in central london just complain to ofcom which i intent to do for breathing
contract buy not providing service i am paying for how they will cope
with olympics is beyond me don't buy any smartphone from them if you
want to use it like it should be used.
Rating:
Reviewed by Ray from England on 18th Jul 2012
I would never go with 3 again such BAD Manners and attitude.
Rating:
Reviewed by Nick
from UK
on 12th Jul 2012
i've been with 3 for a 5 years, i have 2 ppm phones and a 1mth rolling sim... need i say i've had v.few problems with 3. yes the call centre is in India and again v.few problems. and will be v.happy when i get my hand on the S3
Rating:
Reviewed by Eric from Scotland on 9th Jul 2012
Three
I wish to be fair.
Three network especially in remote Scotland locations excellent even
3g web fab
Phones fab
Original prices fab
Thereafter poor, put price up on a fixed 24 month price contract citing
hidden small print that no sales person mentions when you sign up
Customer care - far off place EXCELLENT -UK diabolical
Rating:
Reviewed by Jaz from Birmingham/england on 9th
Jul 2012
I use to be a 02 customer very good reception.came to end of contract
asked for a good deal they weren't interested at all was with the for
4 years.Wasnt keen with going to three network on two year contract
with the one plan but I gotta say I've been with three now for 5 months
and I am very impressed.Customer service ain't to bad could be better
but very helpful also.Alot of my friends have also joined three and
are very happy.So three keep up the good work and try to get even better.
Rating:
Reviewed by Graham
from UK
on 1st Jul 2012
Been with 3 for four years and in all fairness they have been very good, the call centre is in India but they always ring to make sure any problems have been rectified. My contract is due to finish now and I am looking at the S3 but right at this moment they will only give me a deal off their website and there are better deals to be had. Overall 3's coverage is very good and their net speeds are excellent.
Rating:
Reviewed by trevor from n ireland on 15th Jun
2012
having been with vodafone for years , was always generally happy , so
upgrade time again , ordered the s 3 , no stock for a month , so decided
to try three , spoke to a few already on it , good responses , sadly
it goes down hill , after 2 days , signal was non excistant, on web
and even calls and texts, luckly thy have a weeks return policy , conclusion
, the right area and three would be outstanding , otherwise avoid and
stick with with one of the big boys
Rating:
Reviewed by Paul Smith from UK on 2nd Jun 2012
Awful.
They have taken 3 months to return my phone from repair.
I have not got it yet.
Rating:
Reviewed by Paul Smith
from UK
on 2nd Jun 2012
Awful. I took my phone into a 3 shop 3 months ago and have still not got it back.
Rating:
Reviewed by Sam from UK on 22nd May 2012
I agree that the deals for existing customers are not very good. I have
been with them for 4 years. Tried to get a good deal on upgrade to top
of the range phone and would not match deals from other companies.
Then the guy on the phone resorted to telling me horror stories about
dial-a-phone and orange (who I was moving to) regarding the cost of
the deal I was about to buy trying to scare me into staying with three.
Bit patronising to say the least...
Coverage on three is no better or worse than the other major phone networks
as far as I can tell comparing with friends on O2, orange and T-mobile.
Rating:
Reviewed by Stephen from UK on 21st May 2012
Fast customer help response, but the staff are under-trained. They constantly
ASK YOU to text about feedback, and give you an annoying amount of calls
about advertisements.
Coverage is pretty good.
Prices are BAD, for contract customers who have been with the network
for a while (especially). You will pay like £35 a month for a one plan
with any new phone & over 24 months. If you go sim only and simply buy
the phone, its far cheaper. Since the price, coverage, and customer
service is the only thing we can really rate a network on, it gets 2
stars.
Rating:
Reviewed by chris from uk on 19th May 2012
I live in a major city,and the coverage is very,very poor-the signal
vanishes daily,and the phone often runs only on edge or gprs-3g coverage
is intermittent at best.
Customer service has been poor in my experience-somebody with a very
sketchy grasp of English 'helped' me the first time I contacted them,and
then unsurprisingly the signal vanished so had to ring again and again
and again.
Avoid.
Rating:
Reviewed by Michael Bowler
from UK
on 18th May 2012
I signed up with Three over a year ago because the deal just seemed unbeatable, I couldn't believe what they were offering for the contract price, I was hooked... Then I realised why it was so cheap. After 11 months my phone (HTC Wildfire on a 24 month contract) developed a fault with the touch screen, after sending the phone back and forward, numerous phone calls and 4 weeks without my phone, the issue was still not resolved; Three promised to call me back after the repair to see if my issue was resolved, but they never did. So, for 7 months I used a friends phone as I had given up on Three, but my friend then needed the phone back, so I sent my wildfire back in for repair... Two weeks ago my charcoal grey wildfire came back looking a bit different, it was red! Somehow, the clowns in their repairs department managed to put a red front on my grey phone, but of course, I still have the grey back cover! Three's solution: to offer me 5 pounds to get a red back cover to match their mistake! Firstly, I can't even find a red back cover for less than 9 pounds, and secondly I didn't want a red phone in the first place! Now the best they can offer me is to send me a red back cover and give 10 pounds credit as compensation. After all the hours I have spend on the phone to various members of their team, being messed around by incompetent staff and by being promised phone calls that never happened, that is all they can give me for a phone that I now don't want because of their mistake. Your time really is worth nothing to this company. For anyone considering buying a phone from Three, please think again, they don't deserve your time or your money.
Rating:
Reviewed by diane from south wales on 15th May
2012
Had a phone from 3 for the last couple of months and find them great
had no issues with the signal or connection which I find is constant.
Did have a question so I used their on-line assistance and was rung
back within the hour with a friendly helpful gentleman who did have
a bit of trouble with my accent first of all but speaking slowly and
clearly got the issue sorted in no time. My experience has been a positive
one so much so that two of my colleagues have now gone with them
Rating: