Latest news with #Giffgaff
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Virgin Media O2 to continue switch off next month leaving customers with no internet
Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch next month, which could leave some customers unable to use mobile data. The UK's major mobile providers, including EE, Vodafone and Three, have gradually been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years. Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks. It's 3G network switch off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected. 📡 Virgin Media O2 begins its 3G switch-off this April in Durham, marking a key milestone in our network evolution. This move allows us to focus on faster, more reliable #4G and #5G services, delivering better connectivity for our customers. 🌐📱 Learn more here:… — Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) January 13, 2025 The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: Giffgaff Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off is set to continue next month (July) in the following areas: Norwich (July 16) Telford (July 16) Guildford (July 16) The 3G network in Torquay will also be shut off on August 4, Virgin Media O2 previously revealed. 📡 We're continuing our 3G switch-off programme. Next up: Norwich, Telford, Guildford & Torquay. This move frees up spectrum for faster, more reliable #4G & #5G – keeping our customers better connected. 📱 Read more: — Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) April 22, 2025 The rest of the UK is set to follow by the end of the year, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said. She added: 'We're switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience. 'Following the successful pilot in Durham, we will now be switching off 3G in Norwich, Telford and Guildford in July, and Torquay in early August, with the rest of the UK to follow by the end of the year. 'While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, our priority is to provide support to those who need it. "That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G handset, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next steps. "It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.' Any customers who don't upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make voice calls and send text messages, but will be unable to use mobile data. Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) urged those Virgin Media O2 customers with phones or sims that only support 3G to make the switch to 4G or 5G devices urgently or be left with no internet. MSE explained: "If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G, you'll effectively no longer be able to use the internet once it's fully switched off by your provider – you'll still technically be able to connect to the internet, but you'll struggle to do even basic tasks. "You'll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network." Customers with 3G devices will be unable to use the internet once the network is switched off. (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire) The 3G switch-off will only impact those customers with older devices and sim cards, ones that are unable to connect to the newer 4G or 5G networks. If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off, don't worry, there is a way to check. Visit the Virgin Media O2 website and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling. If your phone/sim is on that list, you will be impacted by the switch-off and will need to change devices before it happens. Devices on the list include: Apple iPhone iPhone 1 Generation iPhone 3G iPhone 3GS iPhone 4 iPhone 5S Samsung Samsung ZV60 Samsung Binou Samsung GT-C3592 Samsung BEAT S Samsung Galaxy Fame Samsung SLIDER Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 Sony Sony Ericsson WT13I Sony Ericsson W705 Sony Xperia Z2 Sony Xperia E LG LG Calisto LG Pop LG Prada LG New Chocolate LG G1600 Google Google Galaxy Nexus Google Nexus ONE Motorola Motorola MOTO E Motorola EM30 Motorola Motokey Social Motorola C118V RECOMMENDED READING: What happens when 3G is switched off? The devices affected and how to upgrade Virgin Media O2 issues warning as switch off could leave customers without internet O2 offering more than £1000 for old mobiles and other devices - how to claim Nearly 9 million PlayStation owners could be owed more than £500 - are you one? Nokia Nokia 220 Nokia 106.1 Nokia Lumia 925 Nokia 2330 Classic For the full list of devices affected or further information about Virgin Media O2's 3G network switch off, visit its website (a link to which can be found above).
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virgin Media O2 issues warning as switch off could leave customers without internet
Virgin Media O2 has warned customers they may "experience a drop in call quality" or be left unable to use mobile data as its 3G switch off continues across the UK. The UK's major mobile providers, including EE and Vodafone, have gradually been axing all 3G services over the past few years. Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on the "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks. It's 3G network switch off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected. 📡 Virgin Media O2 begins its 3G switch-off this April in Durham, marking a key milestone in our network evolution. This move allows us to focus on faster, more reliable #4G and #5G services, delivering better connectivity for our customers. 🌐📱 Learn more here:… — Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) January 13, 2025 The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: Giffgaff Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile With the Virgin Media O2 switch off now underway, customers with 3G devices are being urged to upgrade or risk a drop in call quality and being left unable to access mobile data. In an email, seen by The Mirror, Virgin Media O2 said: "We recently got in touch to let you know we'll be turning off our 3G services. "This change has already started, and we'll be continuing the switch off across the country throughout 2025. "You may currently have a device that's not fully compatible with the UK's 4G or 5G network. "After the switch off, you could experience a drop in call quality and be unable to access mobile data, including the internet and messaging apps like WhatsApp." The next areas set to be impacted by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off are: Norwich (July 16) Telford (July 16) Guildford (July 16) Torquay (August 4) 📡 We're continuing our 3G switch-off programme. Next up: Norwich, Telford, Guildford & Torquay. This move frees up spectrum for faster, more reliable #4G & #5G – keeping our customers better connected. 📱 Read more: — Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) April 22, 2025 Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said: 'We're switching off our 3G network to focus our attention and investment on upgrading faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks that will give our customers a better overall experience. 'While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, our priority is to provide support to those who need it. "That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G handset, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next steps. "It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off.' Any customers who don't upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before 3G is switched off in their area will still be able to make voice calls and send text messages, but will be unable to use mobile data. Customers with 3G devices will be unable to use the internet once the network is switched off. (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire) Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) explains: "If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G, you'll effectively no longer be able to use the internet once it's fully switched off by your provider – you'll still technically be able to connect to the internet, but you'll struggle to do even basic tasks. "You'll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network." The 3G switch-off will only impact those customers with older devices and sim cards, ones that are unable to connect to the newer 4G or 5G networks. If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off, don't worry; there is a way to check. Visit the Virgin Media O2 website and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling. If your phone/sim is on that list, you will be impacted by the switch-off and will need to change devices before it happens. Devices on the list include: Apple iPhone iPhone 1 Generation iPhone 3G iPhone 3GS iPhone 4 iPhone 5S Samsung Samsung ZV60 Samsung Binou Samsung GT-C3592 Samsung BEAT S Samsung Galaxy Fame Samsung SLIDER Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 Sony Sony Ericsson WT13I Sony Ericsson W705 Sony Xperia Z2 Sony Xperia E LG LG Calisto LG Pop LG Prada LG New Chocolate LG G1600 Google Google Galaxy Nexus Google Nexus ONE Motorola Motorola MOTO E Motorola EM30 Motorola Motokey Social Motorola C118V RECOMMENDED READING: O2 offering more than £1000 for old mobiles and other devices - how to claim Nearly 9 million PlayStation owners could be owed more than £500 - are you one? Virgin Media customers told to check if they're entitled to a free upgrade Nokia Nokia 220 Nokia 106.1 Nokia Lumia 925 Nokia 2330 Classic For the full list of devices affected or any further information about Virgin Media O2's 3G network switch off, visit its website (a link to which can be found above).
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Three savvy tips to dial down the cost of your next smart phone purchase
MOBILE phones are one gadget that most of us struggle to do without. But although they may be smart, they can also be very expensive. 7 Here are some ways to dial down the costs . . . SIM-ONLY: You can often save cash by buying a phone outright and opting for a cheap rolling SIM-only contract. This is much cheaper than signing up for a deal incorporating the cost of a handset. Use a comparison site such as to look for the best SIM-only deals based on how much data you need each month. Don't buy a plan with more data than you need. You can easily find out how much data you use under the settings on your phone. Often the best deals are away from the big, well-known brands EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. If you travel often it can be worth looking at a smaller provider which offers free roaming within the EU — many of the big networks now charge for this. BUY REFURBISHED: Rather than opting for a new handset, try a second-hand or refurbished phone professionally fixed up to meet set standards. Phone makers including Apple offer refurbished models, as do networks such as O2 and Giffgaff. Handsets are graded by visible wear and tear. Easy ways to slash your mobile bill You will pay most for a model that looks pristine but you can save even more if you don't mind a few scratches on the device. KNOW YOUR NETWORK: Once you have settled with a provider, make the most of any perks that come with being a customer. Cheap coffee, discounted cinema tickets, free subscriptions and early access to concert booking are just some of the benefits you can get through mobile firms. When your contract is up, try haggling down costs rather than staying put. Many providers will happily discount your costs rather than see you walk out the door All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. DEAL OF THE DAY ADD some stylish mood lighting to your home with this arc lamp, down from £140 to £93.32 at Habitat. CHEAP TREAT 7 CHEER up an outfit with this pink Ibiza cap, £7 from George at Asda. What's new? GINSTERS has launched ready to eat pastries Pockets, with flavours including salt & pepper chicken, smoky BBQ beef, sriracha chicken and butter chicken, £1 each from Morrisons. TOP SWAP STAY cool at night with the quiet Dyson Cool tower fan, £290 from Argos. Or head to Lidl this weekend and pick up the bladeless fan, £69.99 – or £54.99 for Lidl Plus members. GIVE your skin a glow up with Revolution Be Bright four-step routine bundle, down from £14.95 to £11.96 at SAVE: £2.99 PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Exodus at TalkTalk as customers quit for broadband upgrades
TalkTalk has been hit by an exodus of customers as the struggling broadband business loses ground to rivals. The telecoms group, which is owned by billionaire Sir Charles Dunstone, saw its customer base fall by more than 400,000 to 3.2m in the year to February. It comes amid heavy cost-cutting at TalkTalk, which narrowly avoided collapse last year after securing an emergency cash injection from Sir Charles and other shareholders. TalkTalk slashed roughly 350 jobs in 2024, according to its latest accounts, with further cuts expected in the coming year. This helped to reduce operating costs by around £18m, while the company also cut back its marketing and customer acquisition costs by £50m. But the cost-cutting has led to further drops in customer numbers amid tough competition, as challenger 'alt-net' firms offer more attractive upgrades. While TalkTalk has traditionally been viewed as a cheaper broadband provider, it is now being undercut by rivals such as Vodafone and Sky. In a further challenge, mobile provider Giffgaff, which is owned by Virgin Media O2, is trialling a new full-fibre broadband service priced at just £10 a month. Meanwhile, TalkTalk burned through a further £285m last year, more than offsetting its £235m emergency cash injection. While last year's bailout secured the company's short-term future, the company is still facing questions over its long-term prospects as it grapples with a £1.2bn debt pile. The sharp drop in customers sparked a 7pc fall in revenues to £1.4bn, while this is forecast to fall further to between £1.25bn and £1.35bn in the coming year. James Ratzer, an analyst at New Street Research, said the darkening outlook 'makes the longer-term story considerably more challenging and further reduces the chance of corporate activity'. TalkTalk's financial troubles have fuelled speculation over dealmaking. The company split itself into three divisions in 2023 and has been seeking buyers for parts or all or part of the business. Bosses previously held discussions with Australian investment giant Macquarie about selling a stake in the group's wholesale division for up to £500m, but talks broke down and existing shareholders were forced to pump in their own money. TalkTalk suffered a further setback in October when Deloitte resigned as its auditor. In a rare public rebuke, the 'big four' firm said it had repeatedly told bosses that internal controls over financial reporting were 'not at the level we would expect for groups of the scale and complexity of TalkTalk'. Despite the cuts, TalkTalk has said it plans to relaunch its offering to customers. It also expects to make further cost savings in the coming year, including by moving its customer base away from copper networks to full-fibre.
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Apple fans can pick up an iPhone 16 Pro for less in cost-splitting deal at Sky
Sky Mobile has a deal on the iPhone 16 Pro that sees the monthly cost fall to £28 a month Apple fans who have been on the lookout for a good deal on the top iPhones might just be in luck - Sky has launched an offer on the iPhone 16 Pro. It's available for £28 per month with a modest upfront cost of £12. Over a period of 36 months, shoppers will pay £1008, this is slightly more than purchasing the phone directly from Apple. However, it allows cost-conscious buyers to split the price per month into more affordable payments. Sky is known for its budget-friendly phone contracts, but there's a catch - many of their phones come with a 36-month contract, so shoppers should bear this in mind before making a purchase. That said, when it comes to monthly costs, this iPhone 16 Pro deal could be worth considering. The silver lining is that customers can swap their phone every 24 months with Sky if they fancy a new handset before their contract ends. Sky also accepts trade-in credit for any old phone to help reduce the bills, making it less costly each month. For shoppers keen to weigh up alternatives, there are some decent options to consider for those in the market for a new phone. has always been a good pick with a range of iPhone 16 Pro deals shoppers can check out here. There's also Carphone Warehouse, which has a range of other deals to explore. Giffgaff also has a reasonable monthly price on its iPhone 16 Pro with a £24 a month plan with a slightly more expensive £25 upfront cost. However, Sky does offer a simple 3GB data plan at a lower price than Giffgaff—perfect if Brits don't need tons of data to roam in the UK. Tech experts were thoroughly impressed with the iPhone 16 Pro last year, nearly awarding it top marks upon its release. Tech Editor Dave Snelling shared for the Daily Express:"The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max get some nice updates, including those bigger displays, improved battery life and faster charging. "The A18 Pro chip sets a new standard, and the rear camera is better than ever. There's also the addition of that Camera Control button on the side, and you get some new colours to choose from, including the striking Desert Titanium. "These are great iPhones, but if you have an iPhone 15 Pro in your pocket, there's probably not enough here to warrant an upgrade, especially as those 2023 devices will also get Apple Intelligence via a software update. That said, if you haven't upgraded in a while and want the best iPhone of the bunch, then the 16 Pro and Pro Max are top-notch call makers that will be contenders for phone of the year."
