Abrupt Ending for Long-Time Users
For Paul, a Swindon resident who has relied on the Relish service since 2016, the news came as a shock. “I received an email at the start of this week saying my broadband would end on May 19th due to ‘technical changes.’ No prior warning, no information on other options, just a two-week notice that I’ll be without internet,” he said.
Paul is one of just 43 customers still using the legacy service, which has been offered at a steady £25 per month for a 30Mbps+ connection. “They’ve never raised the price in all these years,” he noted, “but I suppose that should have been a red flag.”
Transition Troubles
Three claims to have notified customers of the planned May 2025 closure in a previous email, but affected users like Paul say they never received such a message. The most recent communication also failed to provide any guidance on alternative services or special promotions for those facing disconnection.
When pressed for comment, a Three spokesperson apologized for the “inconvenience” and stated that customers could “cancel the service with immediate effect and move to our parent company Three UK.” However, no specifics were provided regarding available plans or pricing.
5G Upgrade Confusion
Further inquiries revealed that the shutdown is part of Three’s transition to 5G, with the aim of upgrading the majority of impacted customers. Yet this crucial context was absent from the company’s customer emails, leaving many in the dark.
To ease the transition, Three said it has offered three months of free broadband and installation of a new antenna to those affected. Curiously, these details were omitted from the communications seen by Paul and others.
Spotty Coverage Concerns
While Three’s website advertises a 5G-powered unlimited home broadband package for £19 per month (rising to £23 by 2027) with average speeds of 150Mbps, availability appears inconsistent across Swindon. Certain postcodes, like SN3 3TQ, are serviceable, while others, such as SN1 4HR and SN1 2AN, are not.
This patchy coverage has left some residents wondering if they’ll be left in the lurch when the Relish network goes dark. “I’m crossing my fingers that Three’s 5G reaches my street,” said Sarah, another long-time Relish customer. “If not, I’m not sure what I’ll do. It’s not like there are loads of options out here.”
Awaiting Answers
As the shutdown date looms, affected households are seeking clear answers and proactive solutions from Three. The operator says it has engaged with local authorities and notified the government of the transition, likely due to the network’s partial public funding through Building Digital UK.
However, customers feel they have been kept in the dark for too long. “It’s frustrating not knowing what comes next,” said Paul. “I just want some straight talk from Three about my options and assurance that I won’t be left without service. Is that too much to ask?”
With mere weeks until the Relish network powers down, time is running out for Three to provide the transparency and support its Swindon customers deserve. For now, those impacted are left to hope for the best while preparing for the worst.
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