Three appoints Iain Milligan as chief network officer

• Iain Milligan has been with Three UK since 2005
• Carlo Melis, current Chief Network Officer, is moving home to Italy to become Chief Technology Officer at Three’s sister company, Wind Tre
• New CNO will build on successful initial roll out of Three UK’s 5G network, which is rated as UK’s fastest by Ookla

Three UK today announces that Iain Milligan has been appointed as Chief Network Officer (CNO).

Iain brings almost two decades’ experience to the role, having first joined the company in October 2005. His new role will see him take responsibility for the performance of Three’s network and the continuing rollout of the UK’s Fastest 5G Network¹ which is available to 56% of the country’s population.

In his current position as Three’s Director of Service Operations and Assurance, Iain has worked closely with the board to shape and define Three’s operating strategy, ensuring the efficient and effective performance of Three’s technology.

As Chief Network Officer, Iain will be responsible for continuing Three’s £2 billion+ investment in its network which includes a massive programme to upgrade the 4G network. In addition, he will oversee the switch off of Three’s 3G network by the end of 2024, with resources redirected to both 4G and 5G.

On 1 September 2022, Iain will take over from Carlo Melis, who will be leaving Three UK after nearly three years with the company. Carlo will return to his native Italy to become Chief Technology Officer at Three’s sister company, Wind Tre.

During his time at Three UK, Carlo has improved the company’s 5G network in terms of both geographic coverage and speed. Earlier this year, as part of the company’s ‘Mobile Britain 2022’ study, Three reported that the number of 5G devices on its network had quadrupled in 2021 and will account for 35% of data usage by the end of 2022.

David Hennessy, Chief Technical Officer, Three UK and Three Ireland, said: “With seventeen years of experience at Three, Iain’s understanding of the company and its operations will drive the next stage of our network development as we continue the rollout of the UK’s fastest 5G network¹ and build an even better 4G network.

“I want to thank Carlo for his work in developing Three’s network and I wish him the best of luck in his new role with our sister company, Wind Tre.”

Iain Milligan, incoming Chief Network Officer, Three UK, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to become Three’s Chief Network Officer after 17 years at the company during which connectivity has transformed the way we all live. I am looking forward to continuing Carlo’s work and building a big network for customers and businesses up and down the country.”

Carlo Melis, outgoing Chief Network Officer, Three UK, said: “My time at Three UK has been hugely rewarding, both personally and professionally. I look forward to seeing Iain lead the next stage of Three’s network development as I begin a new journey with Wind Tre.”