topic Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G in Network

Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

DefaultBallon — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:25:10 GMT

Hi,

Im experiencing extremely poor network speeds both on 4G / 5G constantly. No matter where I go the speeds are terrible but I have full signal on my phone. What is happening?

I put another sim card in my phone from a different provider and the speeds are fast. Is mine being capped or something? I'm about to leave three if this doesn't get resolved, been experiencing this for months and seem to be getting nowhere.

5G speeds full bars see image of how poor this is.

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

sc1999 — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:34:52 GMT

Bars on your phone denote signal strength not bandwidth. Data requires more capacity than voice. Have you checked the network status checker, although this is by no means definitive evidence that you have a problem.

Please post the first part of your postcode so that someone in your locality can check to see if they have an issue.

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

Mkzaf — Thu, 11 May 2023 13:09:37 GMT

Hello,

Are you still having issues?

I am facing the exact same problem, especially in congested areas during rush hour (I live and work within a 3 mile radius of central London).

I have just chatted online with Three (2 different teams) and they were dreadful. Firstly, they told me that the network in my area is working as it should - the network has issues for the past week noted on their webpage without further updates - but as my problem is ongoing for months, I had to contact them again regardless of the info on the page. When I noted that there is an issue but asked about different postcodes, I received no answer.

After a lot of pressure, they said that there is an issue with a mast since September 2022 but have no date or idea as to when it will be fixed. Then they said they are doing works in my area but have no idea when this will be resolved. All this in the same chat.

I was blatantly lied to, continuously.

As my contract has ended in September but I'm still paying monthly, they basically told me to cancel. They offered no solution but for me leaving Three. They insisted on that because I kept saying that I need this filed as a complaint on my record (I have done the same in November 2022). I guess as I don't wish to upgrade because I'm on the highest sim deal and I either have to double my monthly bill by getting a device or an additional sim, I'm not a valued customer so they don't care to help.

This is the service Three provides us with. No solution basically. I was also offered 7 days credit ( I have been offered this before, sometimes 14 days, because it's not the first time complaining) but I declined.

I'm a Three customer since 2006 and I only keep this because of the European roaming which is still not charged as I haven't upgraded. I'm seriously contemplating whether my trips to Greece are worthy of me keeping this poor service.

Good luck!

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

oliverderafera — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 21:46:47 GMT

Hello three!!!! so slow and I am here in NW4 London.

Waste of money.

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

KateS — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:43:08 GMT

Hey @oliverderafera,

Welcome to the Three Community.

I'm sorry to hear you've been experiencing slower speeds than expected.

Has this always been the case or has this issue started recently? Have you checked out our Network Status Checker? This will advise on any reported issues or work going on in the area that could be causing the drop in speeds.

I'd also suggest resetting your Network Settings in the device settings to try and reboot the signal, if possible.

Thanks,
Kate

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

Rocco — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:00:44 GMT

I have exactly the same problem. Very slow data speeds making it virtually unusable and voice calls I am told quality is poor. This is whereever I am in the UK. I used an eSim from another supplier when abroad and it was so much better. Calling "support" they just go through a script as they have no skills and a network reset has only lost all my wifi passwords. As I have to use wifi to get any data capability, this has just made things worse. I think it is just the Three network is poor.

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

Xann — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:11:14 GMT

Same here. Terrible speeds nothing works well. Says in my area it's 4g. Never had this issue until recently

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

JonathanB — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:06:42 GMT

Hi @Xann,

Sorry to hear that you're experiencing slow speeds recently. This topic you've posted on is a couple of years old now, so it's probably best to create a new one as it's unlikely to be connected and you may get more visibility with a fresh topic.

Kate's advice is still relevant here though. You can use our Network Status Checker to find out if there's a local issue, and resetting your network settings can help refresh your connection. (this does forget saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings).

If the issues have been persisting for a long time, please get in touch so we can investigate further.

Thanks,
Jonathan

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

Sparrow77 — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 22:42:24 GMT

I also have the same problem as does my husband. It's always been the same absolutely diabolical speed barely anything loads and it's supposed to be 5g .

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

Amyg — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:40:13 GMT

I consistently have the same problem all over london. I expect it to some degree when there's a big event but I see other people on other networks getting service with no problem. Right now I'm in n4 with 4 bars ans extremely slow speeds. It's not busy.

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

Amyg — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:44:36 GMT

Also I checked the network status checker. It says I should be getting excellent service.

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

Finlay23 — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 17:47:06 GMT

Network not fit for purpose, i've dropped a bollock moving from O2. 3 is simply terrible constantly cannot get data or phone signal.Very disappointed

Re: Extremely Poor network speeds 4G/5G

Daviee — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:17:56 GMT

If you read the thread then people have checked the network status and one guy has also tried a different sim in his phone. I think there is enough evidence here to say the three network has an issue and is basically rubbish.