SMARTY Mobile: Plans, Features and How It Works

Last updated: 23 March 2026

What is SMARTY mobile?

SMARTY is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) launched in 2017 by Three UK (Hutchison 3G UK Limited). It was designed as a stripped-back, online-only alternative to the main Three brand, aimed at customers who want cheap, flexible SIM-only deals without the extras they are not going to use.

There are no handset contracts, no high-street shops and no phone support line. You order a SIM online, pick a plan and manage everything through the SMARTY app or website. That lean approach is how SMARTY keeps costs low while still giving you access to Three's full 4G and 5G network infrastructure.

SMARTY mobile plans and pricing

All SMARTY mobile plans include unlimited UK calls and texts. The only variable is how much data you need. Here is a summary of the current lineup:

• Small plans (4GB to 12GB): From around £6 to £8 per month. Good for light users who mainly browse, message and use social media on Wi-Fi.
• Mid-range plans (30GB to 80GB): From around £7 to £10 per month. Suits moderate users who stream music, watch some video on the go, and use maps and apps regularly.
• Unlimited data: Normally £20 per month, though SMARTY frequently runs promotional pricing (at the time of writing, £17 per month for new customers). Ideal for heavy users, tethering, or anyone who just does not want to think about data limits.
• Data Discount plans: A handful of lower-tier plans (up to 3GB) where you get £1 back per unused gigabyte each month. A nice option if your usage is very light and predictable.
• Data Only plans: From 2GB to unlimited. Designed for tablets, dongles and mobile broadband devices. No calls or texts included.

Every plan includes 5G at no extra cost (device and area permitting), free EU roaming, Wi-Fi calling, VoLTE and unrestricted tethering. If you run out of data mid-month, add-ons cost just £1 per GB and never expire while your SIM is active.

SMARTY also offers Group plans for families or households. Add multiple SIMs to one account and everyone gets a 10% discount on their chosen plan. Each person can be on a different plan, and you can add or remove members at any time.

Plan pricing is correct at the time of writing. SMARTY regularly runs limited-time promotions, so check the SMARTY website for the latest deals.

Key features

No contracts, no credit checks

Every SMARTY plan is a 30-day rolling deal. There is no minimum term and no credit check required, which makes it accessible to virtually anyone. You can change plan, pause your account or leave entirely at the end of any month.

No annual price rises

Unlike many major UK networks that apply annual CPI-linked price increases, SMARTY does not raise your monthly cost while you are on your plan. What you sign up for is what you pay, for as long as you stay.

5G included on all plans

All SMARTY SIMs are 5G-ready at no additional cost. You will need a 5G-compatible device and to be in an area with Three's 5G coverage, but there is nothing extra to pay or activate. You can check your postcode on the SMARTY coverage checker.

Free EU roaming

SMARTY includes free EU roaming on all plans across 44 destinations. Your unlimited UK calls and texts work as normal, and you can use up to 12GB of mobile data per month at no extra charge. Roaming must be activated manually before travel. Outside the EU, you will need to purchase a separate add-on, and rates vary by country.

Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE

SMARTY supports Wi-Fi calling on compatible devices, which means you can make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi connection when mobile signal is weak or unavailable. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) enables calls over the 4G/5G network, giving you better call quality and the ability to use data simultaneously. Both are included at no extra cost.

Unrestricted tethering

You can use your full SMARTY data allowance for tethering, turning your phone into a mobile hotspot for laptops, tablets and other devices. On the unlimited plan, this makes SMARTY a viable backup (or even primary alternative) to home broadband for some users.

eSIM support

SMARTY now supports eSIM alongside physical SIM cards. If you have a device with eSIM capability (such as newer iPhones, Pixels and Samsung Galaxy models), you can get set up without waiting for a physical card in the post. Check the SMARTY website for the latest on eSIM availability.

Coverage and network

SMARTY runs on Three's full network, which provides 4G coverage to approximately 99% of the UK population and an expanding 5G network across more than 300 towns and cities. The ongoing Three-Vodafone network integration (via the Multi-Operator Core Network) is progressively extending coverage by allowing SMARTY SIMs to connect to Vodafone masts as well. This is a meaningful improvement, particularly in rural areas where Three coverage has historically been patchier.

Before signing up, use the SMARTY coverage checker to verify signal at your home and work postcodes. Coverage maps give a good general picture, but local factors like building materials and terrain can affect your real-world experience.

How to switch to SMARTY

Switching is straightforward and follows Ofcom's Text to Switch regulations:

1. Text PAC to 65075 from your current network to get your Porting Authorisation Code.
2. Order a free SIM (or eSIM) from the SMARTY website.
3. During activation, provide your PAC code and SMARTY will transfer your existing number.
4. The switch usually completes within one working day, with no gap in service.

If you do not want to keep your old number, you can skip the PAC step and SMARTY will assign you a new one.

SMARTY referral scheme

SMARTY runs a refer-a-friend programme where both the existing customer and the new joiner receive a gift card (Amazon, John Lewis or Uber) once the new customer renews for a set number of months. The value of the gift card depends on the plan tier chosen. There is no limit on how many friends you can refer.

We have a full breakdown of how the scheme works, including the current reward tiers and step-by-step instructions, on our dedicated SMARTY referral code page.

Get a SMARTY referral code

Who is SMARTY best suited to?

SMARTY is a strong choice if you already own a phone (or are happy buying one separately) and want a flexible, no-nonsense SIM-only deal. It works particularly well for people who value low prices over extras and perks, want to avoid credit checks or long-term contracts, need 5G access at budget prices, travel within the EU regularly and want inclusive roaming, or want to tether their phone as a mobile hotspot.

It may be less suitable if you need in-depth phone-based customer support, live in a rural area with weak Three coverage, or want a handset bundled with your contract.

What users say about SMARTY

SMARTY holds a 4 out of 5 "Great" rating on Trustpilot from over 46,000 reviews, which is among the highest of any UK mobile network. Positive feedback typically centres on value for money, plan flexibility and the no-price-rise pledge. The most common complaints relate to customer service responsiveness and occasional coverage gaps in rural areas.

We have written a full hands-on opinion in our SMARTY review UK, including our Cool Factor score and a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons.

SMARTY mobile: frequently asked questions

Is SMARTY any good?

Yes. SMARTY consistently ranks as one of the best-value SIM-only providers in the UK. It offers cheap plans on a flexible rolling basis with no credit checks, no annual price rises and 5G included as standard. The main trade-offs are online-only customer support and Three's occasionally weaker rural coverage.

What network does SMARTY use?

SMARTY uses Three's network. It is owned and operated by Hutchison 3G UK Limited (the same company behind Three). You get the same 4G and 5G coverage as a direct Three customer, plus expanding access to Vodafone masts through the ongoing network integration.

Does SMARTY do credit checks?

No. SMARTY does not run credit checks because all plans are paid in advance on a monthly basis. This makes it accessible regardless of your credit history.

Can I use SMARTY abroad?

Yes. SMARTY includes free EU roaming on all plans across 44 destinations. You can use unlimited calls and texts plus up to 12GB of data at no extra cost. Outside the EU, you will need a paid add-on and rates vary by destination.

Does SMARTY have 5G?

Yes. 5G is included on every SMARTY plan at no extra cost. You will need a 5G-compatible device and Three 5G coverage in your area. Check the SMARTY coverage checker for availability at your postcode.

Can I keep my phone number?

Yes. Text PAC to 65075 to get your Porting Authorisation Code from your current provider, then give it to SMARTY during activation. The transfer usually takes one working day.

How does SMARTY compare to other budget networks?

SMARTY competes directly with giffgaff, VOXI, Lebara and iD Mobile. It generally matches or beats them on price, and stands out for its no-price-rise promise, inclusive 5G and unrestricted tethering. For a broader comparison, see our best SIM-only deals UK 2026 guide.

Does SMARTY support eSIM?

Yes. SMARTY now offers eSIM, though availability may vary for new versus existing customers. Check the SMARTY website for the latest details before ordering.

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