VodafoneThree Sign Exclusive UK Mobile Operator Distribution Deal with Currys
VodafoneThree (Vodafone and Three UK) has today announced an exclusive new multi-year partnership with high street retailer Currys, which will see the newly merged operator becoming the retailer’s sole mobile network operator (distribution deal) and also expanding their offering to “include mobile broadband” (Fixed Wireless Access).
Just to recap. Vodafone already has a retail partnership with Currys, which was last updated in January 2023 and saw their offering go beyond mobile and introduce home broadband and connected devices for around the home. But the new agreement expands this to include the newly merged company and will see the operator offering mobile services, home and mobile broadband under the Vodafone brand via Currys, as well as VOXI mobile.
The announcement clearly states that “VodafoneThree will be the exclusive mobile network operator (MNO) for Currys,” which is interesting since Currys is also the owner of Three UK based virtual operator (MVNO) iD Mobile (the fact it’s based off Three UK may avoid a clash with this deal). Some of Currys investors have, however, previously indicated that they would like iD Mobile to be sold in order to better “realise shareholder value” (here).
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Jon Shaw, Consumer Operations Director at VodafoneThree, said:
“I am delighted that we can announce a new exclusive partnership with Currys just weeks after the creation of VodafoneThree. This new wider ranging partnership will allow Currys and VodafoneThree to explore greater opportunities in home and mobile broadband, for consumers and businesses across the UK. It’s an exciting time as we build the UK’s best network, with millions of customers already starting to benefit from unrivalled access to roam across each other’s networks at no extra cost.”
Ed Connolly, Chief Commercial Officer for Currys, said:
“Signing this multi-year agreement with VodafoneThree demonstrates the strength of our long-term partnership. We’re confident in our shared commitment to providing customers with quality, flexibility and value across mobile, home broadband and mobile broadband too. This agreement will allow customers to continue using the improved coverage, speed and reliability of the VodafoneThree network in the UK. Our mobile offering is growing, it’s working for our customers, and it’s working for us too.”
Currys currently has nearly 300 stores across the UK, while Vodafone has over 400 stores.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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It looks like they’ve been quite specific in saying exclusive MNO which wouldn’t prevent them from selling iD plans since it isn’t an MNO.
Yes, they’ll be an exclusive MNO to Curry’s, but nothing states stopping any MVNOs from being sold; for example, VOXI is also included in this deal and that is an MVNO. I’d hope that ID is also here to stay, not sure Curry’s would bin off their own MVNO for this deal; maybe they’ll just change the way they sell their plans.
Voxi = Vodafone.
I actually prefer Three for the performance in my area and home over Vodafone, but do I bother signing up with Three for a new contract if they will swallow them up over the next few years or maybe sooner?
Or stick with Vodafone, and hope with the network sharing I will see the benefits of Three on Vodafone where I live and work…
Just go on a 1 month plan with iD or SMARTY, pay less than Three anyway, and if the performance worsens then you can always leave…
I hope Currys have been able to negotiate similar commercial terms to their previous arrangement.
For several years, Currys sub-brand mobiles.co.uk has offered some of the best value Vodafone sims, via cashback. I was sure their discounted deals would stop after the merger, as Vodafone would no longer need to compete with Three. It will be interesting to what happens now they’ve agreed this new deal.
Vodafone’s network in East Anglia is dire, but could improve massively as they enable Three’s 5G sites for Vodafone sims.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Dixons is resurrected selling Curry’s mobile arm.
Vodafone network is non existent 4G 1 bar No 5G in East anglia but three is 5G getting 400mbs
We could go all retro and revive The Link!