Vodafone and Three’s network integration is already translating into wider coverage across the UK, as early network sharing delivers tangible benefits for millions of users, according to analysts Opensignal. Rather than the doom and gloom of shrinking competition caused by consolidation, just a few months into this process, they found that the first measurable improvements are already visible in their data.
Unsurprisingly, improvements are being enabled by the gradual rollout of Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology – network sharing unlocks significant coverage improvements. Early stages of Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing between Vodafone and Three are beginning to expand network reach following the merger. Vodafone stated that around 500 MOCN-enabled sites were live in August 2025, with further 10,000 more expected to be enabled by March 2026.
Based on Opensignal’s data, once full integration is completed, Three users are expected to see around a 13% improvement in Coverage Experience, while Vodafone users will see a 7% increase. For 5G Coverage Experience, the uplift is projected to be much greater – a 92% improvement for Vodafone users and 7% for Three users.
Post-merger, Vodafone and Three users are already experiencing improved reliability in areas of existing coverage, while Three users are also measuring improved download speeds. Importantly, Opensignal found that the merged entity’s network is not only resulting in better coverage, but better experience in already covered areas.
Competition boon or bust?
The Vodafone-Three merger was officially completed in May/June 2025 so it’s still very early to assess long-term competitive behaviour. Pricing is always going to be the first place you see a reduction in competition and Opensignal doesn’t touch on it in their report. However, this is where getting the right regulation in place can mitigate this or, in a best case scenario, remove it from the table as an issue.
For example, as part of the deal selected mobile tariffs and data plans are capped for three years to directly protect affected customers from short-term price rises. So far, customers should not expect immediate changes to their bills, as the merged company has committed to clear communications before implementing any new pricing structures. So the real test will come in 2028 when these caps expire.
For now, in parts of the network where MOCN is enabled, users gain access to additional network resources, immediately improving coverage and reliability. The expansion of network coverage is already being realised wherever MOCN has been activated – and the continuing rollout will progressively extend these gains nationwide.
This MOCN arrangement allows customers of both operators – including subbrands such as VOXI, Talkmobile and Smarty – to automatically connect to the most optimal network, regardless of which SIM they use.
The benefits aren’t only coverage-related: early returns show improvements in speed and reliability already occurring for customers. Opensignal has seen impacts start to materialise on Three’s network, with Download Speed Experience increasing by a 8%, from 43.16 Mbps recorded in Q2 2025 to around 46.72 Mbps as recorded in Q3 for our Three users.
Competition is changing
Opensignal also identified the chance for Vodafone-Three to finally topple EE’s dominance of their public awards for network experience. With strengthened coverage, faster 5G performance, and shared investment resources, the new VodafoneThree could challenge EE’s leadership and reshape the competition landscape in the UK market. VodafoneThree stated their plans to invest £11 billion over the next decade to expand and modernise its network infrastructure. Meanwhile, EE has been expanding 5G Standalone (also known as 5G+) throughout the United Kingdom and is on plan to offer 5G+ to 41 million people nationwide by Spring 2026.
Importantly, Virgin Media O2 has also committed around £700 million into its network, to improve both rural and urban coverage and has strengthened its spectrum portfolio having added 78.8MHz of spectrum formerly belonging to Vodafone, which it is using to strengthen its 4G and 5G capacity – it now holds approximately 30% of UK mobile spectrum.
Source: https://www.mobileeurope.co.uk/vodafone-three-merger-improves-coverage-and-speeds/
