What your Three contract says

In short

This is a consumer mobile agreement with Three (Hutchison 3G UK Limited), the UK's fourth-largest mobile network operator. You pay a monthly fee for calls, texts, and data. Three is known for competitive data allowances and unlimited data plans. Contracts typically last 24 months, though SIM-only deals can be as short as 1 month. Three is regulated by Ofcom under the Communications Act 2003. Under Ofcom rules, Three must send you an end-of-contract notification and an annual best-tariff notification so you know when you can leave or get a better deal.

What you agree to do

• You must pay your monthly bill on time by direct debit or other agreed payment method.
• You must report a lost or stolen handset to Three immediately so the SIM can be blocked.
• You must not unlock or modify a handset that is still subject to a device payment plan without Three's consent.

What you can ask for

• You can cancel within 14 days of receiving your SIM or handset under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
• You can switch to another network and keep your number using a free PAC or STAC code.
• You have the right to leave without penalty once your minimum term has ended.
• You can take unresolved complaints to the Communications & Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS) after 8 weeks.

Points worth knowing

• Annual mid-contract price risesThree increases prices annually, typically by CPI plus a fixed percentage (e.g., CPI + 3.9%). This is stated in the contract but can result in material bill increases, particularly in high-inflation years.
• Early termination chargesLeaving before the end of your minimum term means paying all remaining monthly charges. On a 24-month handset contract, this can easily exceed several hundred pounds.
• Network coverage limitationsThree's coverage is predominantly 4G and 5G. In rural areas, indoor coverage can be patchy. Three does not operate a 2G fallback network, so signal drop-outs may be more common than with other networks.
• Roaming charges outside inclusive destinationsThree's Go Roam destinations include many European and worldwide locations, but data use abroad is subject to a fair-use limit. Exceeding it or roaming in non-inclusive countries incurs high charges.

Dates and deadlines

Monthly bill

Due monthly by direct debit on your billing date

Cooling-off period

14 days from receiving your SIM or handset (return for a full refund)

Minimum term end date

Typically 24 months from activation (Three must send you an end-of-contract notification)