Three’s big data phone and SIM only deals are ‘killing’ the other UK networks

If you’re after a great SIM only deal or a new mobile phone deal this month, you might want to check out the Three network’s new big data plans.

Three was the first digital-only 3G network to launch in the UK back in 2003 and for a long time was the network to go to if you wanted lots of data for as little money as possible. But recently it’s been a more expensive network compared to the likes of Vodafone, O2 and EE with many deals not matching up well to the competition.

In the last week, though, Three has gone super aggressive with ‘big data’ deals on both handsets and SIM only plans, with 8GB, 30GB and unlimited data plans in particular putting the other networks in the shade.

Three's big data mobile phone deals

TechRadar spoke to a major phone reseller who described these Three deals as "killing everybody".

"These deals have got everyone's attention at the moment and Three are doing very well out of it" said our contact, who requested to remain anonymous.

"Everyone is seeing a huge trend towards SIM only plans and away from new phones at the moment so this could be a sign of things to come, with networks battling for customers with these deals with lots of data. For sure you'll see some of the other networks responding to this in the coming weeks and months. Certainly, whether you're talking SIM only or phone plans, most people now require a lot more data than they used to."

As an example of the value on offer here, Three is currently offering SIM only deals with 30GB data allowance for just £18 per month. That includes 600 minutes and unlimited texts, as well as 'Feel at Home' roaming.

If you wanted to get unlimited data, you can get that from Three for £24 per month . The only other network that offers 'unlimited data' SIM deals is GiffGaff which charges £20 - and even then your speeds are capped after just 6GB.

To put this into context, the cheapest 30GB SIM only plan from EE right now costs £39.99 per month. The closest O2 SIM only deal costs £26 monthly for 25GB, while for £22 per month you can get 20GB on Vodafone. These aren't bad deals really, but next to the Three option they now look comparably weak.

Big data mobile phone deals

It’s not just SIM only that benefits from these super Three deals, either. You can currently get an iPhone 7 for free upfront and just £36 per month for 30GB data and unlimited everything else.

Samsung Galaxy S8 deals are similarly dominated by Three, with 30GB available for £124.99 upfront and £39 per month. That sounds (well, is) expensive but if you consider that EE is offering a SIM only deal with 30GB for £39 per month – the Three option effectively offers you the Galaxy S8 handset for the equivalent of the £124.99 upfront fee.

To properly compare all of the UK's SIM plans from all networks you can use the comparison tools on our SIM only deals page. If you're after a new phone, compare all of the deals over on our mobile phone deals page!