- SIM-only, no contract: two plans, 28-day rolling, cancel or switch anytime.
- Network: MVNO running on Three Ireland's network - same coverage and speeds as Three.
- Digital-only: no shops - buy, top up and manage everything through the My48 app or website.
Who Are 48 Mobile?
48 is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) owned and operated by Three Ireland, positioned as Three's budget, digital-first sub-brand. Because 48 runs on Three's own network infrastructure, coverage and speeds are identical to what Three customers get directly.
Everything about 48 is managed online through the My48 app or website - there are no physical stores. You buy a SIM online, activate it digitally, and manage your plan, top-ups and renewals from your phone.
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What Plans Does 48 Mobile Offer?
48 keeps its range simple, with two main SIM-only plans:
Prices as published by 48 Mobile; check the official site for the current live rate before signing up.
Does 48 Mobile Have 5G?
Yes. The Unlimited plan includes 5G at no extra cost, wherever Three's 5G network is available. Both plans run on the same Three infrastructure as Three's own customers.
Does 48 Mobile Include EU Roaming?
Both plans include EU and UK roaming - calls and texts stay unlimited while roaming within the EU, and a set data allowance is included at no extra charge (subject to fair usage). Check the exact GB figure for your plan in the My48 app before travelling, as roaming allowances are revised from time to time.
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Our broadband experts at Selectra can help you secure a fast, affordable plan in your area - completely free.
How Do I Top Up or Renew My 48 Mobile Plan?
48 is a prepay service that works differently from a traditional top-up: instead of adding credit whenever you like, you buy a plan that renews automatically every 28 days.
- Auto-renew (default): new customers are opted in automatically - your plan renews on the same day every 28 days, and you get a reminder text two days beforehand.
- Manual renewal: turn off auto-renew in My Profile under Payment Details, then buy your plan manually through the My48 app or website whenever it's due.
To pay, log in to My48 (app or website), select your plan or add-on, and pay by debit or credit card. If your renewal payment fails, you'll lose service until you top up again, so it's worth keeping auto-renew on unless you actively want to switch plans each cycle.
48 Mobile Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Two simple plans, including one of Ireland's cheapest unlimited data options
- 5G included on the Unlimited plan at no extra cost
- No contract - cancel or switch plan anytime
- Uses the Three network for nationwide coverage
- EU/UK roaming data included on both plans, no extra charge
Disadvantages
- No physical stores - all support and sign-up is online only
- No family plans or multi-line discounts
- Cannot bundle with broadband or TV
- Auto-renew means a failed card charge can interrupt service without warning
How Do I Join 48 Mobile?
Joining 48 is entirely online:
- Visit the 48 Mobile website and choose a plan;
- Choose a new number, or keep your existing one;
- Enter your details and payment information;
- Your SIM is posted out, or activate instantly with an eSIM;
- Activate and manage everything through the My48 app or website.
If you're switching from another network and want to keep your number, 48 handles the porting process for you - just provide your existing number when signing up.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 48 Mobile
48 is owned and operated by Three Ireland, and runs on Three's mobile network infrastructure.
48 uses the Three Ireland network, so coverage and 4G/5G speeds are the same as Three's own customers get directly.
48 works on 28-day rolling plans rather than classic top-ups. Log in to the My48 app or website to buy or renew your plan by card. Auto-renew is on by default for new customers, so your plan renews automatically every 28 days unless you turn it off.
48 runs on Three's network, so coverage matches Three directly, and its Unlimited plan is one of the cheaper unlimited SIM-only options in Ireland. The trade-off is no physical stores and no bundling with broadband or TV.
Yes. 48 supports number porting from any Irish mobile network - provide your existing number during sign-up and the transfer is handled for you.