Switching to Home Broadband with 3
Are you considering switching to Three Home broadband?
In this article, we review Three home broadband to help you decide whether to take the plunge or opt for more traditional broadband.
Three home broadband make use of their high-speed mobile coverage masts to provide wireless cable-free 4G and 5G broadband services to UK households.
Three won the Ookla Speedtest Award for the fastest UK 5G network during Q1 – Q2 in 2022.
They offer broadband speeds ranging from 50Mbps to 1,000Mbps (1Gbps) depending on coverage in your area.
Their broadband packages come with unlimited data, and a 30-day money-back guarantee and are available on monthly rolling contracts. A landline is not required and the setup of the broadband router hub is simple.
Best Three Home Broadband Deals in October 2024
Prices may change during contract term.
Three Home Broadband Coverage Checker
The Three Coverage checker tool provides a quick and accurate check of the Three signal coverage strength both indoors and outdoors at your address. Enter your postcode into the three coverage checker tool to perform a quick search now.
You can also expand the coverage map to see the exact coverage strength at your address and in your area.
Three Home Broadband Coverage Checker
Three Home broadband comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee which gives you the opportunity to test their service before fully committing.
Three Home Broadband Pros and Cons
Pros
- No landline or engineer required
- Ultrafast speeds of up to 1Gbps on 5G
- Unlimited data
- 30-day money-back guarantee to allow you to test drive before committing
- Perfect for rural areas without traditional broadband
- Rolling Monthly and 24-month contracts
- Portable - take it with you on your UK Holiday
Cons
- Speeds vary depending on your location
- Performance can be affected by adverse weather
- Higher latency on 4G connections but shouldn't affect normal usage
Three Home Broadband Packages
Three offer 4G and 5G home broadband packages which are dependent on coverage in your area. Three home broadband plans come with unlimited usage.
Three 4G Home Broadband
- Three’s most widely available home broadband package in the UK.
- Three 4G broadband has an average download speed of 50 – 100Mbps but in some locations, you can achieve download speeds of up to 600Mbps.
- Actual speed will depend on your distance from the closest mast.
Three 5G Home Broadband
- Not as widely available but coverage continues to expand in 2024
- Offers an average download speed of 100Mbps and up to 1,000Mbps (1Gbps) in some places.
- Actual speed will depend on your distance from the closest mast.
To get the best speed and performance, place the three broadband hubs upstairs and close to a window – if possible. You will get the best speed if you place it near a window that faces in the direction of the nearest mast.
Unless you can see the mast, it will be a case of trial and error. Place it in a location and then run a speed test to see what speed you get.
Three Home Broadband Coverage Checker
Want to find out if you have Three 4G or 5G coverage at your address?
Three Home Broadband Coverage Checker
Three Home Broadband Hubs
Three 4G Broadband Hub Overview & Technical Specifications
Ports: 4x Ethernet ports
Maximum connected devices: 64
Wifi Connectivity: 5Ghz and 2.5Ghz Wi-Fi bands.
Wi-Fi 5 certified for greater performance on modern devices
SIM type: Standard size (mini) SIM
LTE band support: 1,3,7,80,20,32
Dimensions: H180mm W:170mm D:30mm
Frequency: FDD/TDD/UMTS/GSM LTE CAT12/13. Up to 4×4 MIMO & 256QAM supported
The Three 4G broadband router is a simple plug-and-play router similar to routers from traditional broadband suppliers such as BT and Virgin.
The difference with the Three broadband router is that you do not need to connect it to a wall socket to get an internet connection.
You simply insert the sim card (supplied in the box) into the sim slot at the back of the router and then power the router using the mains power cord that comes in the box.
Your 4G router will power up and establish a 4G connection to the nearest mast within a few minutes.
Details of your Wireless network and password will be at the bottom of the router.
You can also find the admin URL and default username and password if you would like to log into your 5G router and make changes to the default configuration.
There are 4 ethernet network ports at the back of the router if you have devices that do not support wireless connections.
Three 5G Broadband Hub Overview & Technical Specifications
Cellular Connectivity: Mediatek T750
Wifi Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6), dual-band, 2×2 MIMO
Ports: 2 x 2.5GB Ethernet ports and 1x USB
Maximum connected devices: 64
SIM Type: Micro SIM Slot
Dimensions: 132.5 x 134 x 230mm
Indicator Lights: Power, SMS, Signal Strength, Internet, Wifi/WPS
Buttons: WPS, Power, Reset
Speed Info: Theoretical Max Speed is 4.7Gbps Download (Three UK Network – Up to 1Gbps)
Similar to the 4G broadband router, the 5G router is a plug-and-play router similar to routers from traditional broadband suppliers such as BT, Virgin, and Sky. You do not need to connect it to a wall socket to get an internet connection.
Insert the sim card (supplied in the box) into the sim slot at the bottom of the router and then power the router using the mains power cord that comes in the box.
Your 5G router will power up and establish a 5G connection to the nearest mast within a few minutes.
Details of your Wireless network and password will be at the bottom of the router. You can download the Three 5G Broadband App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store to manage your broadband.
Alternatively, you can also find the admin URL and default username and password if you would like to log into your 5G router and make changes to the default configuration.
There are 2 ethernet network ports at the back of the router if you have devices that do not support wireless connections or prefer to connect certain devices like gaming consoles or a Smart TV box via network cable.
Conclusion: Is Three Home Broadband any good?
If you have 5G coverage in your area, home broadband from 3 is a fantastic option for great value superfast broadband. Their 5G top speeds compete with most fixed-line broadband providers such as BT, Sky, Plusnet, etc.
Three were Ookla Speedtest winners for the Fastest UK 5G network during Q1 – Q2 in 2022. Download the Ookla UK 5G Speedtest Award report.
Three home broadband comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee which gives you an opportunity to test drive their service. The actual speed you get depends on the location of the nearest mast, your distance from it, and where you position your 3 Home broadband hub.
The speed and experience will be different for everyone but after the first 2 weeks, you’ll probably have a good idea of whether you’ll be keeping the service or making use of their 30-day money-back guarantee.
Three Home Broadband Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ-three-home-broadband-review
The average download speed of Three Broadband’s 5G Home Broadband service ranges between 100-260Mbps, according to independent measurements by RootMetrics, and OpenSignal.
Since its inception in early 2020, Three Broadband’s 5G network has experienced significant growth. By mid-2022, it encompassed more than 400 urban and rural areas, reaching over half of the population in the UK.
Three Broadband offers 5G Home Broadband service on 12-month or 24-month contracts. Prices start at £20 per month, with the 24-month contract typically being more cost-effective than the 12-month option.
The 5G Hub router provided by Three Broadband, the Qualcomm 5G SDX55M, offers wireless connectivity through the next-generation WiFi 6 technology.
It has two gigabit-capable Ethernet ports, can support up to 30 wireless devices at once, and provides excellent wireless coverage around your home, making it ideal for busy households.
Three Broadband’s customer service is relatively average when compared to other providers. Trustpilot reviews include a mix of both satisfied and dissatisfied customers. However, it’s essential to consider that unhappy customers are more likely to leave a review. Three Broadband offers multiple ways to get in touch, including phone, Live Chat, and Twitter.
One notable benefit is the convenience of the next-day delivery promise, ensuring you receive the router quickly after placing an order.
Additionally, the free companion app makes the setup process even easier and helps users find the best location for the router using a “Suggested Position” feature. This combination of convenience, ease of use, and support from the app further enhances the overall user experience.
Three Home Broadband offers mobile broadband through 4G or 5G networks, allowing users to get online without the need for a landline.
Benefits include accessibility in rural or “black spot” areas, no set-up fees or line rental, reasonable pricing, flexible contract lengths, and the option to use it as a backup for fixed-line broadband.
Although 5G ranges between 100-260Mbps, the average Three home broadband download speeds are 150Mb (5G) and 40Mb (4G), while the average upload speeds are 20Mb (5G) and 10Mb (4G).
Factors such as distance from the mast, building structures, and surrounding environments can impact the performance and speed of the mobile broadband.
You can use Three’s Coverage Checker to see if their 5G or 4G network is available in your location.
In the Opensignal report, Three’s average 5G download speed was 228.4Mb, which is higher than competitors like EE, O2, and Vodafone.
You should check the coverage in your area and weigh the pros and cons of the available contract length. Three home broadband has a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can fully test the service and return the kit if you are not happy with the performance.
Setting up the Three home broadband router hub is simple
- Insert the sim card (supplied in the box) into the sim slot into the back (4G hub) or bottom (5G Hub) of the router hub
- Power the router using the mains power cord that comes in the box.
- The router hub will establish a 4G/5G connection within a couple of minutes
The Three Home Broadband setup video below shows the process.
Credit: Three UK Youtube Channel
There are 3 ways you can connect a device to your hub. You can use a network cable, via Wi-Fi, or by using the WPS button.
- To connect using a network cable, insert the network cable into one of the free LAN ports at the back or side of your router. The location of the LAN ports depends on the make/model of your Three home broadband router.
- To connect via Wi-Fi, find your Three hub’s wireless network name (SSID) and enter your Wi-Fi password. The default wireless network name (SSID) and password are on the sticker at the base of your hub.
- To connect via WPS, press the WPS button on your hub and then press the WPS button on the device you want to connect. Give your hub and device a few minutes to send the network settings to your device to make the connection.
Once you have your Three Home Broadband Hub installed and working, the next logical step would be to test your download and upload speed.
Follow these 3 simple steps to test the your Three Home Broadband speed:
- Connect a phone or PC to you Three Home Broadband network. If possible, It is always best to connect a PC or laptop to the network port at the back or side of your device when doing this test. The speed test results are more accurate and rule out any wireless issues that may be skew the results.
- Open the broadband speed test widget
- Click on the GO button to start the broadband speed test.
The download and upload speed will be displayed after the test has been completed.
If you are running the test while connected to your Three Home Broadband via WiFi, make sure you are stood directly in front of the Three Broadband Hub when you run the speed test.
We recommend you run the test at least three times to get a more accurate result.
Three Home broadband comes with a 30-day money back guarantee for your peace of mind.
If you’ve tried it and found that it’s not for you, contact Three and they will arrange your refund.
You will need to return the home broadband equipment.
Three will provide prepaid return labels for you.
Three 4G Home broadband has an average download speed of 50 – 100Mbps. You can get download speeds of over to 200Mbps in some places.
The actual speed you get depends on your distance from the closest mast and also where you decide to place your Three 4G broadband hub.
Use Three’s broadband coverage checker to see the speed available in your area.
Three 5G Home broadband offers an average download speed of 100Mb. You can get download speeds of over to 400Mbps in some places.
The actual speed you get depends on your distance from the closest mast and also where you decide to place your Three 5G broadband hub.
Use Three’s 5G broadband coverage checker to see the speed available in your area.
You will need to provide Three 30 days notice to cancel your home broadband contract at the end of the contract.
When you’re within the last 30 days of your plan, you can quickly cancel your Three Home broadband contract online.
You will need to know your Home Broadband number.
How to find your Home Broadband number:
- On a device connected to your broadband, visit 192.168.8.1 in your web browser
- Enter the password found on the back/base of your Home Broadband Hub
Select My device - Your broadband number can be found under My number
Once you have your Home Broadband number, fill in the Home Broadband Cancellation Form to cancel.
Folllw these 3 simple steps to find your Three Home Broadband number.
You may need this number when contacting Three customer services with any queries relating to your home broadband.
- On any device connected to your broadband, visit 192.168.8.1 in your web browser
- Enter the password which can be found on the back or base of your Three Home Broadband Router Hub
- Select My device
Your Three Home broadband number can be found under My number.
If you have problems with your Three Home Broadband service, use the Three (3) Network Status Checker to check if there are issues in your area and to report new issues.
There is a chance that the loss of service on your home broadband may be due to planned or unplanned maintenance.