If you’ve heard that Vodafone and Three customers can now “use both networks”, you’re not imagining it. Since the Vodafone–Three merger created VodafoneThree, one of the first customer-visible changes is a network-sharing technology called MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network). In areas where it’s switched on, your phone can automatically connect to the strongest available Vodafone or Three signal, even if your SIM is from the other network.
This guide explains the update in plain English and answers the questions people actually Google: Do I need a new SIM? Will my signal improve? Is this roaming? What about SMARTY/VOXI/Talkmobile? When will it reach my area? What if I got a text saying my network improved but I can’t tell? Along the way, I’ll also share practical steps to make sure your phone is ready to benefit.
Quick summary (for busy readers)
What’s happening: VodafoneThree is rolling out MOCN network sharing, allowing devices to connect to the best available Vodafone/Three mast signal where enabled.
Who benefits: Customers of Vodafone, Three, VOXI, Talkmobile and SMARTY are included in the rollout messaging from VodafoneThree and sub-brands.
Do you need to do anything? Typically no—it’s designed to work automatically (though a few settings and updates can help you get the best results).
Rollout status: Vodafone has stated ~500 MOCN-enabled sites were live around August 2025, with 10,000 more expected by March 2026; SMARTY’s help page also says it’s already live at over 1000 sites (figures vary depending on how each brand counts “sites”).
What you may notice: Early independent reporting based on OpenSignal analysis suggests coverage and experience gains are starting to show, but improvements will be uneven and area-by-area as the rollout continues
What is the Vodafone–Three “network sharing update” in plain English?
First: what “network sharing” actually means here
When people hear “network sharing,” they often imagine a total merger where two networks instantly become one. That’s not what’s happening overnight.
Instead, VodafoneThree is enabling a feature called MOCN that lets Vodafone and Three customers (and their sub-brands) connect to whichever MOCN-enabled mast provides the best signal at that moment—Vodafone or Three—without you manually switching networks.
The simple “two parts of a network” explanation (RAN vs Core)
A mobile network has two big layers:
Radio Access Network (RAN)
This is the visible part: the masts/towers, antennas, and the radio equipment that talks to your phone over 4G/5G.
Core network
This is the “brains” behind it: routing your data, handling calls, security, subscriber services, and billing.
What Vodafone describes is that MOCN shares the radio layer so your phone can use the most suitable Vodafone/Three signal in your location, while (at least initially) the operator cores can remain separate.
Why this matters for normal people
The best way to think of it is: more usable signal choices. If Three had the stronger mast in your area, you benefit—even if you’re a Vodafone customer (and vice versa), where MOCN has been enabled.
That can show up as:
fewer “one bar” zones
fewer indoor dead spots
better reliability while travelling, commuting, or in busy places
smoother performance in marginal coverage areas
Who benefits from VodafoneThree network sharing?
The customer groups most often mentioned in VodafoneThree rollout comms are:
Vodafone UK
Three UK
VOXI
Talkmobile
SMARTY
These brands are referenced in Vodafone’s explainer and OpenSignal’s coverage of the early impact of the merger, and SMARTY’s own help pages talk about the benefits for SMARTY customers.
Does it cost extra?
Vodafone’s explainer frames MOCN access as available at no extra charge for customers of VodafoneThree’s brands, and SMARTY’s help article also states benefits are at no extra cost.
How does MOCN work (without the jargon)?
Here’s the “real-world” version:
Your phone connects to a nearby MOCN-enabled mast.
The mast/radio equipment decides which signal is best based on network criteria (signal quality, capacity, etc.).
Your phone can be served by either the Vodafone or Three radio network at that location, even if your SIM is from the other operator.
From your perspective, it should feel seamless (no constant manual switching)
Is this roaming?
Not in the way most people mean it.
“Roaming” usually means your phone is using a foreign network outside your home country, often with different charging rules. MOCN is a domestic network-sharing arrangement inside the UK, designed so customers can attach to the best local network radio layer under VodafoneThree. (You should not suddenly get roaming charges because of MOCN.)
Where is MOCN available right now? (and why do numbers differ)
This is one of the most confusing parts, because different sources quote different counts:
Vodafone’s explainer (and OpenSignal’s write-up) notes Vodafone stated around 500 MOCN-enabled sites were live around August 2025, with 10,000 more expected to be enabled by March 2026.
SMARTY’s support article says network sharing is already available at over 1000 sites.
Some press/industry commentary also referenced ~600 sites as a milestone in August 2025.
Why the mismatch?
It’s usually down to how each organisation defines a “site” or counts “live” locations:
Some count masts, some count sites, some count enabled sectors, and some include different stages of the rollout.
One brand may update numbers faster than another.
Some posts online are simply wrong (so always prioritise official sources + credible analysts).
The safe, accurate way to write this in your blog is:
“MOCN is already live on hundreds of sites and is expanding rapidly, with Vodafone stating ~500 sites were enabled around August 2025 and a further 10,000 expected by March 2026; SMARTY separately states it’s already live at over 1,000 sites.”
Rollout timeline: what happens next?
The key milestones that keep coming up
From the sources above, the standout milestones are:
August 2025: Vodafone stated around 500 MOCN-enabled sites were live (and related reporting discussed 600-site milestones).
March 2026: Vodafone has indicated 10,000 more network sites are expected to have MOCN enabled by then.
Why does it take years to finish?
Because not every mast upgrade is the same:
Some upgrades are closer to a software change
Others require new hardware at the site (and site work takes planning, access, engineering time, and sometimes permissions)
Vodafone’s explainer specifically highlights that some sites can be upgraded remotely while others need physical hardware changes, which is why long rollouts are normal for UK-wide mobile infrastructure projects.
What improvements should you actually expect?
This is the most important section for trust, because “network sharing” can be overhyped if it’s presented like magic.
Improvements you may notice (where MOCN is enabled)
Better coverage consistency
If you previously had coverage gaps because one network was weak in your exact spot, MOCN can help by letting your device use the other network’s stronger local signal.Fewer not-spots / better indoor reliability
Indoor performance often depends on local mast density, spectrum, and building materials. MOCN increases the chance you have a good usable connection nearby.Better performance in high-traffic places
Busy stations, shopping centres, city centres: having more combined capacity and smarter selection can improve reliability.Early signs of national gains
OpenSignal’s analysis (as reported by multiple outlets) suggests the early phase of the merger is already showing improvements in customer experience, particularly around coverage and consistency.
What you should not expect (yet)
Instant improvement everywhere
Rollouts are patchy by nature. Your street might improve next month while your workplace improves later.Guaranteed faster speed at all times
Speed depends on congestion, backhaul, your device, and even where you’re standing.Full 5G Standalone everywhere right away
Vodafone’s explainer notes MOCN is initially providing 4G and 5G non-standalone, with 5G standalone through MOCN planned for the future.
The 4G speed boost claims: what’s real and what it means
SMARTY’s help article and wider coverage talk about VodafoneThree improvements including 4G boosts. SMARTY says upgrades include activating additional Vodafone spectrum for customers in certain areas, and it describes improvements such as faster speeds and better reliability while noting that actual speeds vary by multiple factors.
Some media reporting has highlighted claims that millions of Three/SMARTY customers could see an average ~20% 4G speed boost in certain phases of the rollout.
How to present this in your article (the safe, SEO-friendly way)
Use language like:
“VodafoneThree/SMARTY communications say…”
“reports suggest…”
“in certain areas…”
“your results will vary…”
And include a short disclaimer:
“Mobile speeds vary by distance to the mast, local geography, building materials, peak-time congestion, and your device.”
SMARTY explicitly includes this kind of variability language in its support messaging.
Do you need to change anything on your phone?
The official answer: usually no
Vodafone’s MOCN explainer and OpenSignal’s summary of it both indicate MOCN is intended to work automatically, with no user action or opt-in required.
The practical answer: a few checks can help you benefit faster
Even when the network side is automatic, your device still matters. The next section is where your blog can beat the competitors, because it solves the real “why don’t I feel it yet?” problems.
Phone readiness checklist (so you actually benefit from the upgrade)
If you want the best chance of benefiting from improved 4G/5G coverage and reliability, here’s what to do. (This is also where your tech store blog becomes genuinely useful.)
1) Update your phone software
iPhone (iOS): Settings → General → Software Update
Android: Settings → System → Software update (wording varies by brand)
Why it matters: carrier and network updates often ride along with software updates.
2) Enable 4G Calling / VoLTE (if available)
This can improve call stability and prevent the phone from falling back to older calling modes.
Typical paths:
iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data Options → Voice & Data → enable VoLTE/4G
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → enable VoLTE / 4G Calling
If your phone doesn’t support VoLTE properly, calls may feel worse in marginal coverage zones even when data improves.
3) Ensure your preferred network type is set sensibly
Use 5G Auto (if you have 5G) or 4G/5G Auto rather than locking to 3G/2G.
If you’re seeing unstable 5G in a specific indoor spot, testing 4G-only temporarily can help for troubleshooting.
4) Restart your phone (seriously)
After big updates or SIM/network changes, a restart helps the device re-register cleanly.
5) If you use Dual-SIM, set your defaults clearly
Dual-SIM phones can behave differently depending on:
which SIM is default for data
whether both lines are active for 5G
how the device handles standby
Set defaults for:
Mobile data
Calls
Messages
6) Check whether your device is “4G/5G ready” in practice
A phone can be “5G” on paper and still be weak if:
it’s missing key UK bands
it has poorer modem performance
it’s running old firmware
If you’re using an older handset and you live in a fringe coverage zone, upgrading your device can be the difference between “patchy” and “usable”.
Troubleshooting: “I got the message / saw the news — but my signal hasn’t improved”
This is a very common situation, and your article should treat it respectfully. Here are the most common reasons.
1) MOCN isn’t enabled on your nearest mast yet
Even if MOCN is live in your town, your specific neighbourhood may be waiting for an upgrade phase. VodafoneThree’s rollout is gradual and measured in months/years, not days. Vodafone+1
2) You’re mainly indoors (and your building blocks signal)
Thick stone, metal frames, modern insulation, basements, lifts—these can all wreck signal.
Two networks sharing doesn’t magically overcome physics.
Fix: Try near windows, or consider Wi-Fi Calling if your plan/device supports it.
3) Peak-time congestion hides the gains
At 5pm in a packed station, even a better signal can feel slow if the cell is overloaded.
Fix: Test at different times of day and in different spots.
4) Your phone is using a poor band/mode
Some phones “cling” to 5G even when 4G would be more stable.
Fix: Toggle Airplane mode, restart, or temporarily switch to 4G-only for testing.
5) Your device is the limiting factor
SMARTY itself flags that speed and performance vary by device, location, buildings, and geography.
Fix: If you’re on an older phone, upgrading can improve antenna/modem performance substantially.
6) Reset network settings (last resort before support)
iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset → Reset Network Settings
Android: Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
Note: you’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords after this.
FAQs (the questions customers actually ask)
1) Is Vodafone–Three network sharing the same as roaming?
No. Roaming usually refers to using a network outside your home country, often with different billing rules. MOCN is a UK domestic network-sharing feature inside VodafoneThree’s combined radio network.
2) Do I need a new SIM to benefit from MOCN?
Generally, no. Vodafone’s explainer and OpenSignal’s summary indicate it’s designed to work automatically without a SIM swap or opt-in. SMARTY also frames it as automatic access at no extra cost.
3) Will my phone show Vodafone or Three at the top of the screen?
Vodafone’s explainer suggests the customer experience should be seamless, and you shouldn’t need to micromanage it. In practice, your phone may still display your “home” network branding depending on how the device and SIM identify service, but connectivity should work in the background.
4) Is MOCN available nationwide now?
No—this is a rollout. Vodafone has spoken publicly about hundreds of enabled sites at an early stage and a significant expansion planned by March 2026. SMARTY also frames it as rolling out and expanding.
5) How many sites are live with network sharing right now?
Public numbers vary by source and time:
Vodafone has cited ~500 live around August 2025, and OpenSignal repeats that statement.
SMARTY says it’s already live at over 1000 sites.
Other coverage mentioned ~600 as a milestone in August 2025.
A fair summary is: hundreds to 1,000+ sites, expanding quickly.
6) Will it cost me extra?
Vodafone’s explainer and SMARTY’s help article both describe MOCN/network sharing access as no extra cost for customers.
7) Will 4G get better or is it only about 5G?
Both can improve. In addition to MOCN, SMARTY describes 4G improvements from enabling additional spectrum following the merger, and some reporting highlighted 4G speed boost claims for millions of customers (results vary by area).
8) Will 5G Standalone (5G SA) work through MOCN?
Vodafone’s explainer indicates that initially MOCN provides 4G and 5G Non-Standalone, with 5G SA through MOCN planned for the future.
9) I’m on SMARTY / VOXI / Talkmobile — am I included?
Vodafone’s explainer lists VOXI, Talkmobile and SMARTY alongside Vodafone and Three, and SMARTY’s own support article says SMARTY customers can use both networks as rollout expands.
10) I received an SMS saying my network is improving, but I don’t notice any difference — why?
Common reasons:
your nearest mast isn’t enabled yet
indoor building interference is still the bottleneck
peak-time congestion
your device is older / doesn’t handle bands well
SMARTY’s article emphasises that real-world speeds vary due to geography, buildings, mast distance and device.
11) Does this mean Vodafone and Three coverage is now identical?
Not immediately. Over time, as more sites become MOCN-enabled and the networks integrate, customer experience should converge more. But during rollout phases, you can still see differences street-by-street.
12) What about visitors to the UK on roaming SIMs?
Vodafone’s explainer discusses roaming scenarios in its Q&A, but roaming behaviour depends on which UK network your home provider partners with and how access is configured. In general, don’t assume your roaming SIM will automatically get all the same network-sharing benefits as a domestic VodafoneThree customer.
13) Why did regulators allow the merger — and what protections exist?
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) cleared the merger subject to legally binding commitments, including investment in the combined network plan, oversight, and some protections such as time-limited tariff caps and measures for wholesale access.
This context matters because it explains why the network investment and rollout is being treated as a major national infrastructure upgrade (not just a marketing rebrand).
14) What does the £11bn investment figure mean in practice?
The £11bn investment figure appears in the CMA announcement and Vodafone’s corporate communication, describing a major programme to improve UK mobile infrastructure over time.
The bigger picture: why VodafoneThree is doing this (and why it’s not “instant”)
Mobile networks are expensive to improve quickly at national scale, and the Vodafone–Three merger was approved on commitments partly because the combined entity is expected to invest significantly in expanding and modernising UK connectivity. The CMA press release highlights legally binding commitments and oversight relating to investment and consumer protections.
At the same time, analysts tracking early outcomes (including OpenSignal’s reporting) suggest the integration is already starting to show customer benefits—especially in areas where network access can be improved through RAN sharing.
Practical “next steps” for customers (your closing checklist)
If you want the best chance of benefiting from the Vodafone–Three network sharing update:
Keep your phone updated (OS + carrier settings)
Enable 4G Calling/VoLTE if supported
Use 5G Auto (or 4G/5G Auto) rather than locking to older modes
If you’re still struggling indoors, try Wi-Fi Calling and/or test signal near windows
If your phone is older and coverage is already marginal, consider upgrading to a newer 4G/5G-ready device with a stronger modem
Conclusion: what this means for your everyday signal
VodafoneThree’s MOCN rollout is one of the most meaningful UK mobile upgrades in years because it changes a simple reality: many people will be able to connect to whichever network signal is best in their location, rather than being stuck with the limitations of a single legacy footprint. Vodafone has stated early milestones (hundreds of enabled sites) and a major planned expansion by March 2026, and SMARTY says it’s already live at over 1,000 sites—so this is real, active, and expanding.
Still, it’s a rollout, not a switch. Some customers will notice improvements quickly, others will see them gradually. The best thing you can do today is make sure your device and settings are ready—so when MOCN reaches your nearest sites, you actually feel the benefit.