logo
UK's biggest mobile provider is shutting service TODAY leaving thousands of Brits with no internet in huge shake-up

UK's biggest mobile provider is shutting service TODAY leaving thousands of Brits with no internet in huge shake-up

Scottish Sun7 days ago
Scroll down to find out whether your device will be affected
END OF THE LINE UK's biggest mobile provider is shutting service TODAY leaving thousands of Brits with no internet in huge shake-up
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE UK'S largest mobile provider is continuing its shut down of a major service today, which could leave customers without internet.
Britain's major mobile providers have been gradually switching off a key service over the past few years, following an agreement with the Government made in 2021.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
Virgin Media O2 is turning off its 3G network
Credit: Getty
EE, Vodafone and Three have all shut off their 3G services, with Virgin Media O2 the last to follow suit.
The telecoms giant said that the switch off is so that it can focus on "faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient" 4G and 5G networks."
The 3G switch off began in Durham on April 2, and is continuing today, July 16, in Norwich, Telford and Guildford.
Torquay's 3G network will then be switched off on August 4.
The mobile provider has confirmed that the rest of the UK will have its 3G networks turned off by the end of the year.
The switch off will also affect Giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile users as they all use Virgin Media O2's network.
"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", Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said.
'Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this year, we will 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."
Virgin Media O2 customers living in the affected areas have been urged to upgrade to a device which supports 4G or 5G before the switch off takes place.
Anyone who's device is only capable of supporting 3G will be left without mobile data, but will still be able to text, take phone calls, and access WiFi.
WhatsApp is closing down on three mobile devices in hours with users blocked from sending and receiving messages
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (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."
Virgin Media O2 has said that the "vast majority" of its customers already have a device which supports 4G or 5G, so will be completely unaffected by the switch off.
It added that any customers still using a 3G device who are known to be vulnerable have been offered a 4G device free of charge.
Which mobile networks are affected by the 3G switch off?
Mobile networks affected by O2's 3G switch off:
-O2
- Tesco Mobile
- Sky Mobile
- GiffGaff
Networks which have already switched off 3G:
- Vodafone
- Asda Mobile
- Lebara
- Talk Mobile
- Voxi
- EE
- 1pMobile
- Ecotalk
- IQ Mobile
- Lycamobile
- Mozillion
- RWG Mobile
- Spusi
- Talk Home
- Utility Warehouse
- Your Co-op
- Three
- iD Mobile, Smarty
- Honest Mobile
- Superdrug
All other customers who do not currently have a device compatible with 4G or 5G have been offered a new device at a reduced cost.
Jeanie York added: "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.'
Customers wishing to dispose of their old 3G devices should recycle them through O2 recycle, which could see them get cash for the old handsets.
How to check if your device is affected
Smartphone users who have purchased their device in the last 10 years are unlikely to be affected by the switch off.
However, if you are still unsure, you can do a simple trick to check.
Click on the settings page on your phone and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network.
If you spot 4G or 5G listed, then you will be unaffected by the switch off.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Living near this Scottish landmark can add thousands to your house value
Living near this Scottish landmark can add thousands to your house value

Daily Record

time5 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Living near this Scottish landmark can add thousands to your house value

But staying within a mile of another iconic spot could send your home's value plummeting. New research has revealed that living close to some of the UK's most iconic landmarks can significantly impact the value of your property, for better or worse. And one of Scotland's most famous attractions has made it into the top ten. ‌ The study, carried out by buy to let insurance experts at the Alan Boswell Group, analysed house prices within a one-mile radius of 30 of Britain's top landmarks. ‌ These prices were then compared to average values in the surrounding areas to determine how much of an effect each landmark has on local property prices. ‌ Edinburgh Castle was ranked ninth in the study, with homes located within one mile of the historic capital fortress selling for an average of £427,250. That figure is £89,328 higher than the wider area average of £337,922, a rise of 26.4 per cent. The results suggest that having such a renowned attraction on your doorstep could add a sizeable premium to your home's value. ‌ However, not all Scottish landmarks offer the same benefit. In fact, some can have the opposite effect. Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire was among the worst performing in the study, with a sharp 41 per cent drop in property value for homes located within a one-mile radius. Average house prices near Balmoral are significantly lower than in the nearby town of Ballater, suggesting the Royal connection doesn't always translate to financial gain. ‌ Stirling Castle also featured on the list with a smaller but still negative impact on local house prices. The average price in the wider Stirling area is £244,398, but within a mile of the castle, it drops to £223,280, an 8.6 percent decline. Elsewhere in the UK, London landmarks dominated the top of the table. Buckingham Palace claimed the number one spot, with properties located within one mile seeing a staggering 92 per cent increase in value. ‌ The average house price in the surrounding City of Westminster stands at £941,900, but this jumps to £1,807,145 near the royal residence. A spokesperson from the Alan Boswell Group explained: 'The buy to let insurance experts at Alan Boswell Group can reveal that being neighbours with the royals can pay off majorly, with Buckingham Palace claiming first place. ‌ "The tourist hotspot, with 30 per cent of Brits considering it the best UK landmark, can increase your house value by a whopping 92 per cent if you live within one mile of the attraction.' Royal Albert Hall came second on the list with a 76 per cent increase in nearby house prices. The average property in London's most expensive borough, Kensington, costs £1,130,400, but this figure rises to £1,990,172 for homes located within one mile of the iconic concert venue. ‌ Despite the potential for noise from major events, Royal Albert Hall's past issues with complaints - including the loss of its licence to host boxing and wrestling events for 13 years starting in 1999 - appear to have had no impact on local property values. Third place went to the British Museum, where living within a one-mile radius can boost your home's value by 59 per cent. The average house price in Camden stands at £766,100, but climbs to £1,218,395 for those nearer the museum. Not all landmarks bring financial benefits, though. Other UK locations that saw negative effects on house prices include Blackpool Tower (down 28%), Old Trafford in Manchester (down 27%), and Coventry Cathedral (down 21%). ‌ Rank Landmark Location ‌ Average price in the wider area Average house price within 1 mile of the landmark Price increase ‌ % increase 1 Buckingham Palace ‌ London £941,900 £1,807,145 ‌ £865,245 91.9% 2 ‌ Royal Albert Hall London £1,130,400 ‌ £1,990,172 £859,772 76.1% ‌ 3 The British Museum London ‌ £766,100 £1,218,395 £452,295 ‌ 59.0% 4 Durham Cathedral ‌ Durham £215,883 £338,434 ‌ £122,551 56.8% 5 ‌ Hampton Court Palace Molesey £654,889 ‌ £912,002 £257,113 39.3% ‌ 6 Tower of London London ‌ £479,500 £667,157 £187,657 ‌ 39.1% 7 Tate Modern ‌ London £515,500 £710,532 ‌ £195,032 37.8% 8 ‌ The Shard London £515,500 ‌ £665,806 £150,306 29.2% ‌ 9 Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh ‌ £337,922 £427,250 £89,328 ‌ 26.4% 10 Westminster Abbey ‌ London £941,900 £1,121,895 £179,995 19.1%

Aldi selling no-effort household gadget that cuts cleaning time in half
Aldi selling no-effort household gadget that cuts cleaning time in half

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Aldi selling no-effort household gadget that cuts cleaning time in half

Plus, we share easy ways to save at Aldi NO MUSS, NO FUSS Aldi selling no-effort household gadget that cuts cleaning time in half ALDI is selling a no-effort household gadget that can help lessen the load of your household chores. The bargain retailer is currently selling a product that can help to get rid of pesky pet hair that can build up on blankets and other bedding. Advertisement 1 The pet hair dissolver promises to get rid of pet hair Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver can be found in stores' middle aisle, which is home to a number of limited edition bargain products. The German discounter releases these products every Thursday and Sunday as part of its Special Buy range. The sachets are placed in the dispenser drawer of your washing machine and then customers run the pet blankets on a hot long cycle along with detergent. Shoppers can expect to pay £3.95 for the cleaning product at Aldi. Advertisement Other retailers such as The Range and Pets at Home charge £4 for the product. Ocado is currently running an offer where shoppers can pick up the sachets for £3.60. Reviews left by customers who have previously bought the product said there were "no sign" of pet hairs on their animals' bed after using it. If you are keen to shop for the product at Aldi, you will need to be quick, as, like all other Special Buy products, once it's gone, it's gone. Advertisement And it is not the only product shoppers are keen to get their hands on. Bargain hunters have been going wild for a £19.99 multicolour light pillar that is perfect for brightening up a bedroom. Aldi urgently recalls £3.29 freezer essential over dangerous disease that affects 1 in 100 of Brits The store is also selling a £3.99 dupe for Olaplex that is £24 cheaper than the branded version. And those keen to spruce up their garden should keep their eyes peeled for a £4.99 booze trolley, ideal for summer parties. Advertisement Aldi is not the only supermarket offering savings this summer. Shoppers have also been flocking to B&M to get their hands on a stylish table and chair set scanning for £40 instead of £110. How to save money at Aldi Unlike other major grocers, Aldi does not have a rewards or point card system but that does not mean you cannot save on your shop. Every week the store releases a list of special buys , which are unique bargain products you find online at Aldi and in store. Advertisement The store releases a fresh range of deals every Thursday and Sunday, so be sure to check regularly to see what's new. Meanwhile, the store also regularly sells fruit and vegetables at highly discounted prices, as part of its 'super six' deal. It also does weekly saving offers on typically pricey items such as meat and fish.

Beach deckchair gets 21st century makeover - and it makes one thing easier
Beach deckchair gets 21st century makeover - and it makes one thing easier

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Beach deckchair gets 21st century makeover - and it makes one thing easier

The humble deckchair has been revamped with additions including a phone charger and screen glare block The classic deckchair, a staple of British beach holidays since the late 1800s, has been given a 21st-century upgrade to cater for today's modern sunbathers - complete with phone charger and screen glare block. This high-tech prototype, designed by Paypal, includes solar panels and a battery pack to keep your gadgets juiced up. ‌ The new design also includes a drinks holder, a built-in fan, and even a bespoke horn to scare off pesky seagulls. The redesign comes after research revealed that one in five Brits can't resist a spot of online shopping while soaking up the rays on the beach. ‌ ‌ A survey of 2,000 adults found that clothes and fashion items are the most popular purchases, with nearly a fifth splashing out between £51-75 during their beach-based browsing sessions - and some even spending up to £200. However, it seems there are still a few obstacles preventing beachgoers from enjoying a seamless scrolling experience - including phones overheating, patchy WiFi, lack of shade, and sand getting into the phone charger hole. Consumer behaviour and retail expert Dr. Amna Khan, speaking in partnership with the brand, said: 'Smartphones have transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we navigate our cars to how we manage our health and shop for essentials." ‌ 'This digital shift has made shopping anytime, anywhere second nature – even on the beach, positioning it as the next frontier for a tech refresh," Dr Amna added. 'With tech-enhanced deckchairs featuring innovations like built-in glare-blocking screens, beachgoers can now seamlessly blend relaxation with connectivity, reflecting the evolving expectations of today's digital-first lifestyles." Brits can visit the new deckchair from the 9th August in Brighton. Dave Jones, head of consumer from PayPal, which has introduced a three per cent cashback incentive to help people put money back in their pockets, added: "We can see from our research that more and more people are bringing their phones to the beach, and their shopping habits too. "That's why we've reimagined the classic deckchair with a modern twist, making it easier to stay connected and even earn cashback while soaking up the sun."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store