VodafoneThree merger: No SIM change needed as fraud warning issued for customers
Vodafone UK and Three UK have officially merged to form VodafoneThree, but customers are being reassured that no SIM swaps, account changes, or immediate action is required.
The newly merged company said: “You do not need to make any changes to your SIM card, phone number, or personal details as a result of the merger. Anyone contacting and asking you to do so is a fraudster.”
The warning comes as VodafoneThree moves into operation following the official completion of the deal on May 31, with Vodafone holding a 51% stake and Three’s parent company, CK Hutchison, holding 49%. The new entity is led by Vodafone UK’s Max Taylor as CEO and Three UK’s Darren Purkis as CFO.
The company, now one of the UK’s largest mobile networks, has pledged a £11 billion investment over the next decade to improve coverage, speed, and reliability, with £1.3 billion being spent in the first year alone.
“Together as VodafoneThree, we’re building our best network ever, backed by a guaranteed investment of £11bn that will transform connectivity across the UK,” the company said on its website.
For existing customers, nothing changes at this stage. “Your terms and conditions remain,” VodafoneThree confirmed. “Our stores and support staff are all open with our colleagues on hand to provide you with the support you need as normal.”
Customers will continue to see either Vodafone or Three as the network name on their phones. There are no changes to price plans, SIM cards, roaming charges, or switching procedures. Each brand, including SMARTY, VOXI, and Talkmobile, will continue to operate independently.
Beginning mid-June, seven million Three UK customers will see their average 4G data speeds improve by 20%, with Vodafone and Three users gradually gaining access to each other’s networks for stronger signal coverage.
The long-term benefits include:
- Broader 5G and superfast broadband expansion, especially to areas underserved by current providers.
- Future exclusive cross-brand offers.
- A stronger network backed by consolidated engineering teams and upgraded infrastructure.
With reports of fraudsters targeting customers amid the merger, VodafoneThree said: “If someone contacts you by phone or social media claiming to be from Three or Vodafone, please do not share any personal details with them, including any One-Time Passcodes.”
Suspicious messages should be reported by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).