Who are Three Mobile?
Three Ireland entered the Irish market in 2005 as a mobile network operator. The new company hoped to disrupt the existing status quo and steal market share from established players like Vodafone, O2, and Meteor.
Who owns Three Mobile?
The company is a subsidiary of Hong Kong and Cayman Islands registered multinational conglomerate corporation CK Hutchinson Holdings Limited.
CK Hutchinson employs over 300,000 people in more than 50 countries, providing telecommunications and core infrastructure services across a diverse range of industries.
Three Mobile Ireland has over 1300 employees in its domestic workforce, serving over 4.3 million customers through more than 60 retail outlets and an award-winning Customer Experience Centre in County Limerick.
They currently hold 45% of the mobile telecommunications market share in Ireland, making them the largest provider in Ireland with 99% 4G and 90% 5G coverage.
Mergers and acquisitions
In 2015, Three's parent company acquired O2 and ultimately merged the two services. In 2017 eir acquired Meteor, creating the mobile and broadband landscape we are familiar with in Ireland today.
Ireland’s largest 5G network
Three began as a mobile service provider, focusing on handsets, prepay, and bill pay phone bundles as its core business.
The company implemented the world's first commercial voice and data I-HSPA network in 2010. This new protocol enhanced the existing 3G network and was known as 3.5G or 3G+.
Three has continued to innovate and stay ahead of the curve, rolling out 4G service across the country in 2014 and 5G in 2020.
With their initial launch of 5G service across 121 locations nationwide, they became Ireland's largest high-speed mobile network.
Award-winning speed
For several years running, including Q1 and Q2 of 2023, Three has achieved the highest mobile network speed and fastest 5G mobile network speed in Ireland as measured by the international access performance metrics analysts, Speedtest by Ookla.
Three is in a class of its own for mobile network speed, with eir coming in 2nd at a little over half their measured rate and Vodafone in third place.
Is Three Mobile for you?
If you want fast, easy-to-install short or long-term broadband service, extensive 5G network coverage, and a discounted handset to go along with it, Three is an excellent choice.
All bill pay plans are covered by a 30-day trial period, so there is never a reason not to sign up for a bundle that you want to try out.
The company is primarily a mobile network provider, so you never have to worry about line installation or rental.
Prepay plans allow you to fully control your broadband access so you can plan your usage in extremely low-risk 28-day intervals.
Overall, Three Mobile offers excellent nationwide 5G coverage and is arguably the most flexible option of all the broadband service providers in Ireland today.
Three Mobile perks and rewards
Three is determined to continue growing market share and offers a unique range of perks and benefits to entice new customers.
Here are some reasons to consider switching to their network:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee trial period
- Monthly offers on accessories and lifestyle products
- Save 10% on every additional connection to your plan
- Read and download paid content free for 3 months
- Enjoy 3 months free of 100GB Google One cloud storage
- Use 3Pay to buy apps, games, and services via your phone
- Trade-in offers on old phones up to €600
- Refer friends to earn rewards and vouchers
- Join the Three+ rewards programme for even more benefits
What is the Three+ rewards programme?
You can opt-in at no additional cost to the Three Mobile Three+ rewards programme to gain access to exclusive rewards for Three customers, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Three+ offers on food, fashion, and travel
- 2 for €10 cinema deals
- Exclusive access to live music events
- Presale access to 3Arena tickets
- Fast track tickets
- Three+ Lounge access
- Participation in customer-only competitions
- Even more Three+ membership perks
What is the Google Nest Hub?
If you're new to Three, you can sign up to Home Broadband, free for three months, with 50% off the cost of a brand new Google Nest Hub.
The hub is a voice-activated unit that allows you to issue commands via Google Assistant to all compatible broadband-connected devices in your home.
What is an eSIM?
In the past, your mobile phone number and service were attached to a physical chip known as a SIM card that could be inserted into and removed from your phone.
The latest version of this technology is a software-based solution that enables your handset to scan a QR code to upload a virtual or eSIM onto the phone.
This makes it easier to use your phone while traveling because you can upload a temporary number and eSIM without the need to buy one on arrival at your destination.
It also solves the problem of physical SIM cards becoming degraded and faulty over time.
Does Three Mobile have eSIM?
Where a handset offered by Three Mobile has eSIM compatibility, it is shown on their website, or you can ask in person in one of their retail outlets.
What is Three Mobile's "All You Can Eat Data"?
This is Three Mobile's term for unlimited texts, calls, and data usage on their unlimited bundles.
A very generous fair usage amount typically limits texts and calls, while broadband data is usually unlimited unless otherwise stated.
Is Three Mobile Ireland data really unlimited?
Yes, it is. There was a fair use limit of 750GB in the past, but they replaced this in 2022 with true unlimited broadband data.
This policy on broadband bundles is distinct from and should not be confused with their mobile data (ROI and EU) 2GB internet data allowance.
You will still see the 750GB limit quoted on many other sites, but this is outdated content. The 750GB limit no longer applies.
Does Three have 5G connection?
The Three Mobile 5G network is one of Ireland's most extensive, with over 90% coverage nationwide.
Does Three Mobile work in Europe?
Yes, it does, but with EU roaming data limits. Make sure you understand these before you set off on your journey.
How fast is Three Broadband in Ireland?
Download speeds reach up to 500Mbps on most plans.
Is Three Mobile broadband any good?
Three Mobile is an award-winning company with the largest market share, currently over 45%, of mobile telecommunications services in Ireland.
They have over 1300 employees in Ireland and are known for their technical innovation and ability to invest in new products, technology, and infrastructure.
They also have great membership perks and benefits that set them apart from other providers in the Irish market.
How much is Three Mobile broadband?
Three Mobile unlimited broadband deals start from €29.99 per month on a 30-day contract.
Do I need a phone line for Three Mobile broadband?
Three Mobile broadband operates from the mobile phone network, so no phone line is required.
How does Three Mobile broadband work?
It couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps:
- Check your availability for broadband service on their website
- Select the broadband bundle that best suits your needs
- Purchase your preferred option and wait for a callback
- Arrange a time for an installation expert to set up your equipment
- Make sure someone is home when the engineer arrives
- Let them do their thing and test reception
- Sit back and enjoy your high-speed broadband internet
Does Three Mobile broadband include line rental?
Three Mobile broadband does not require line rental, so there is no charge for this.
Are Three Mobile phones unlocked?
No. When you purchase a handset from Three, it is locked to the Three network and subject to eligibility rules before you can unlock it.
If you subsequently wish to do so, make sure to contact them first to have it done safely and correctly.
Do you have more questions about Three Mobile broadband bundles?
No problem. Make sure to check out our FAQs page for more helpful information on how to make your switch to Ireland's largest mobile network telecommunication provider as stress-free as possible.
If you don't find what you need there, feel free to reach out on our contact page, and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have.
