Three United Kingdom is a telecommunications company operating in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2003, the company is a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, a multinational conglomerate based in Hong Kong. Three UK provides a range of telecommunications services, including mobile voice, text and data services, and is known for its extensive 3G and 4G network coverage across the UK. The company's ownership under CK Hutchison Holdings provides it with a strong backing and allows it to leverage the resources and expertise of its parent company, while maintaining its operations primarily within the UK.
Alias
Hutchison 3G UK Limited
Country
United Kingdom
Type
Network Operator
Ownership
CK Hutchison Holdings
Three Austria logo

3G Network

The company launched its 3G network in December 2006 over the B1 (2100 MHz) band. The network was upgraded to HSPA+ in April 2011, and DC-HSPA+ in 2012.

The network closure was announced for years end 2024.

Network Frequency Band Status Known UARFCNs
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

4G Network

The company's 4G LTE network was launched in December 2013 over the B3 (1800 MHz) band, using 15 MHz of paired spectrum acquired from EE. Three later added B20 (800 MHz) in September 2015, following with B1 (2100 MHz) in August 2017 and B32 in September 2019. B28 (700 MHz) was first observed in October 2022.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status Known EARFCNs
B1 (2100 MHz)
15
Active
76, 99
B3 (1800 MHz)
15
Active
1392
B20 (800 MHz)
5
Active
6175
B28 (700 MHz)
10
Active
9360
B32 (1500 MHz SDL)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

Three launched its UK 5G network in August 2019 using the n78 (3500 MHz) mid-band. Two DSS carriers were later added, n28 (700 MHz) in October 2022, and n1 (2100 MHz) in February 2023. A standard n1 (non-DSS) deployment began in May 2024.

Network Frequency Band Max. Channel Bandwidth Status Known EARFCNs
n1 (2100 MHz)
10
Active
n28 (700 MHz)
10
Active
n78 (3500 MHz)
100
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 5G Network
Launch