BBC iPlayer to stop working on some Virgin Media TV boxes
The change is only expected to impact a small number of customers, with a "vast majority" already owning newer models, including V6 and TV 360, which will be unaffected.
Virgin Media has offered a free upgrade to a select group of customers who still use a TiVo box.
When will BBC iPlayer stop working on old Virgin Media TV boxes?
BBC iPlayer will stop working on older TiVo boxes on Wednesday (July 23).
So customers will need the upgrade before then.
A Virgin Media spokesperson said: 'We have written directly to the small proportion of customers with a TiVo box, who have used BBC iPlayer within the past six months, to inform them that their box will not support iPlayer from 23 July.
"As we have previously communicated directly to relevant customers, anyone with a TiVo box is able to upgrade to a new Virgin TV 360 box at no extra cost.'
Customers who own an old TiVo box have been offered a free upgrade to the Virgin TV 360 box (pictured). (Image: Virgin Media)
Virgin Media O2 continues 3G switch off
Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 continued its 3G switch off last week.
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.
Its 3G network switch-off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected.
While last Wednesday (July 16), Virgin Media O2 switched off its 3G network in:
Norwich
Telford
Guildford
📡 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: https://t.co/dAw44ovtL6 pic.twitter.com/5j1GBg58Rc — Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) April 22, 2025
The 3G network in Torquay will also be shut off on August 4, Virgin Media O2 previously revealed.
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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
The switch off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including:
Giffgaff
Sky Mobile
Tesco Mobile
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.
If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off, visit the Virgin Media O2 website (a link to whcih can be found above) and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
O2 issues urgent advice as mobile network continues to switch off across the UK
O2 has partnered up with Age UK to help raise awareness during 'daunting' network shut down. Across the UK, mobile provider O2 has begun to shut down its 3G network. With different areas being impacted at varying times, the company has partnered up with a famous charity to try and help those they believe to be the most affected by the change. During the network shut down, those who own 3G mobile phones will lose access to some of their services and apps. While O2, which is owned by Virgin Media O2, is certain that the majority of people won't notice the switch as they most likely own 4G or 5G devices, the network is concerned for some older customers who haven't upgraded. To help raise awareness and provide support for these customers, O2 has joined up with Age UK to help spread the word and ease the nerves of anyone impacted by this 'daunting' change, reports the Express. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "The 3G switch-off may feel daunting for many older people so it's important that we do all we can to support those affected." O2 has confirmed it will be switching off the 3G network across the country at varying times of the year, with the network ceasing to exist by the end of 2025. Durham was the first town to lose access to O2's 3G service back in April this year, with Norwich, Telford and Guildford following on July 16. This switch up was partly done to allow newer 4G and 5G frequencies to take the place of the old network through a reallocation of the network spectrum. The next town to lose access will be Torquay this month, with the rest of the UK to follow over the coming months until the entire network is shut down. Scottish dates have yet to be confirmed. Virgin Media O2 said: "Virgin Media O2 and Age UK are working together to provide additional support to the small number of older mobile phone users who will need to upgrade their handsets to continue using mobile data once 3G is switched off. "Virgin Media O2 will support Age UK's work to develop and distribute new informative content designed for older people and their families to help them better understand the 3G switch-off. "The charity will provide key information on its website and social media channels and, via its Advice Line, support older people and their families who are seeking advice in relation to the 3G switch off." Through this partnership, Age UK will be staging in-person awareness sessions to support "disadvantaged older people". The charity will also be providing tuition on digital skills and guidance on how to use new devices. Older customers who pay for smaller mobile providers within the O2 network, such as GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Sky Mobile, will also be able to access these services. To further ease the burden of the switch off, Virgin Media O2 also said they were "writing directly to all customers currently without a 4G or 5G handset, offering free compatible devices for known vulnerable customers and discounts on new handsets for all others." However, it should be noted that just because O2 is switching off their 3G network, this does not mean older 3G devices will become completely useless. As these mobile phones still support 2G networks, users will still be able to receive calls and texts. For those who only use their phone for these services, it may seem silly to look for an upgrade. However, with the vast majority of people using their phones to access the internet and scroll through social media, a phone upgrade will be a priority as these apps and features will no longer be accessible. O2 isn't the first mobile network to make the switch, as Three, EE and Vodafone have already turned off their 3G networks. According to Virgin Media O2, its own 3G network only carries less than two per cent of all network data, highlighting that the shut down won't be noticed by the vast majority of Brits. Abrahams added: "Anyone who is feeling worried and would like some support can get in touch with their provider to find out more about their options and make sure they are ready for the change, or they can call Age UK's Advice Line for free on 0800 169 65 65." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Rhyl Journal
Is Lloyds bank app down? Users complain it is not working
Users were quick to turn to other social media platforms to complain about the outages. One user said: "Why is the app not working?" Another added: "Again!!!! And on pay day. When will I be able to access my app?" Lloyds responded to concerns on X, saying: "Thanks for getting in touch. Sorry about this. Some customers are having issues with our app right now. Bear with us as we fix this" Thanks for getting in touch. Sorry about this. Some customers are having issues with our app right now. Bear with us as we fix this. ^Will There has been more than a month's worth of unplanned tech and system outages in the last two years for nine of the UK's biggest banks and building societies, according to data published by the Treasury Committee earlier this year. The committee – a cross-party group formed of 11 members – asked the lenders' UK chief executives to reveal the scale of recent IT failures and estimates for how much customers might be paid in compensation. It comes after an outage led to days of disruption for Barclays customers at the end of January, coinciding with payday for many workers and the deadline for self-assessment tax returns. Across the nine banks and building societies, there have been at least 158 IT failure incidents between January 2023 and February 2025, according to estimates they provided. Common reasons given for the incidents include problems with third-party suppliers, disruption caused when systems were changed, and internal software malfunctions. Downdetector is an online website that allows users of popular services including X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Virgin Media and more to report if they are having trouble with the services. The site only reports an incident when the number of problem reports is significantly higher than the typical volume for that time of day. Describing itself on its website, Downdetector is 'where people go when services don't work.' Recommended reading: EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and BT all down as customers report issues How to save on mobile roaming charges abroad with Vodafone, eSIMania, EE and more Virgin Media gives customers access to 14 free channels - see what's available The website monitors disruptions to various key services including the internet, web hosting platforms, banks, social media and more. You can see the full methodology and learn more about how Downdetector collects status information and detects problems via its website. In short, users can get involved by submitting any issue reports on the platform. Problem indicators are also collected from social media and other factors on the web, Downdetector explained.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
O2 and Vodafone mobile customers warned of network problems TODAY due to ‘essential works'
O2 and Vodafone mobile customers have been warned of network issues today. The tech giants will be carrying out essential maintenance work, which may affect services until 8 pm this evening. 1 The work is being carried out in Exeter in the EX4 neighborhood, which stretches across St Thomas, Redhills and Pennsylvania. The news is expected to leave a sour taste in the mouths of O2 customers in Devon's capital city after recent complaints over the network in the area. The telecoms company, owned by Virgin Media O2, has previously responded to problems in the St Thomas area. A message was sent to customers, which read: "To make our network more reliable, we'll be starting essential works in the area. "This may affect your services for a while. We know this isn't ideal, but we aim to have you back online by 8pm on July 29." The message also included a link for users to track the progress of the work being carried out. O2 blamed the 'congestion' in the region and has promised customers to improve its service. And hopes that the latest maintenance work would bring improved 5G to the area have been squashed. reveals that Vodafone and O2 do not currently provide 5G mobile in the area. Vodafone confirmed the work is not related to increasing 5G coverage. A spokesperson for the company said: "Our team is undertaking essential site maintenance in this area. "We encourage customers to sign up to Network Checker to receive status updates regarding network issues and planned work.' 5G is the fifth generation in mobile network technology and was launched across the UK in 2019 and 2020. EE was the first company to launch commercial 5G and Vodafone followed shortly after, treating customers to the service in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool and London. O2 rolled out its 5G service in October 2019 and covered Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds. Giffgaff, which uses O2's infrastructure, only started offering 5G in January 2021. How to tackle phone addiction Mobile phone addiction is becoming a growing concern, with many people spending an excessive amount of time glued to their screens. This constant engagement with our devices is not just a harmless habit; it can lead to a range of health issues. Experts have warned that the overuse of smartphones can contribute to problems such as eye strain, poor posture, and disrupted sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by phone screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder for individuals to fall asleep and stay asleep. Moreover, the addiction to phones can have psychological effects. The pressure to stay constantly connected and the barrage of notifications can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Social media, in particular, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as people often compare their lives to the seemingly perfect lives portrayed online. This can lead to a vicious cycle where individuals seek validation through their phones, further entrenching their addiction. To mitigate these effects, it is important to establish healthier phone usage habits. Setting boundaries, such as designated phone-free times or areas, can help reduce screen time. Engaging in activities that do not involve screens, such as reading a book or going for a walk, can also be beneficial. By taking proactive steps to limit phone use, individuals can improve both their physical and mental well-being.
