Three UK has delivered notable 5G performance in OpenSignal’s latest Mobile Network Experience Report.
Best known for being the first operator to launch a 3G network in the UK, Three is the smallest major operator by subscriber count. Historically it trailed some rivals on 4G speed and coverage, but with 5G rollout well underway the operator is making a concerted push to improve its position.
According to OpenSignal, Three UK customers experienced average 5G download speeds significantly higher than other operators — with Three posting speeds 75.1 Mbps greater than second-placed EE.
Three also led its competitors on 5G availability and reach, though the advantage there was smaller than the speed gap.
The operator has faced criticism from the Advertising Standards Authority over marketing that described its service as “real 5G.” While that phrasing drew regulatory attention, there is a technical basis for Three’s claims.
International 5G standards set by the ITU indicate 5G should be capable of using 100 MHz of spectrum. Following the most recent spectrum auction, all UK operators except Vodafone meet that figure, with Vodafone holding 90 MHz. The GSMA adds that operators ideally should hold 80–100 MHz of contiguous spectrum to unlock the full benefits of 5G.
Three is the only UK operator with 100 MHz of contiguous 5G spectrum, a factor that helps explain its strong real-world 5G performance.
UK advertising rules require claims of superiority over competitors to be supported by clear evidence. Three has supplied technical explanations for its marketing claims, but regulators have pointed out a lack of clear real-world proof at the time.
Ofcom told the ASA that while, all else being equal, Three might deliver higher peak speeds in ideal conditions, those peak rates would be uncommon for consumers across a mature 5G network.
OpenSignal’s findings provide Three with additional real-world data to support its 5G performance claims, though that advantage is specific to 5G metrics.
When evaluating overall mobile experience—including 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G—EE continues to lead across combined experience measures such as video, gaming, voice apps, download and upload performance.
(Photo by Glen Rushton on Unsplash)
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