Latest news with #EE
Rhyl Journal
13 hours ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Virgin Media O2 warns customers about ongoing 3G switch off
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:… The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: 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: 📡 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'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 Samsung Sony LG Google Motorola RECOMMENDED READING: Nokia 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).
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
O2 issues important 'switch off' message to UK users - check your phone now
O2 users are being issued with emails urging them to make sure their smartphones are compatible with 4G and 5G data. A major change is coming to the UK, and it's vital phone owners check their devices without delay. Many of Britain's most mobile networks are closing down their ageing 3G platforms in a bid to boost newer 4G and 5G technology. It's a major update, and those with older devices could soon find they no longer have access to vital data services when away from home. EE and Vodafone have already performed the closure. Now, O2 is in the process of shutting its 3G signal and is urging its users to make some important checks and consider switching to more modern phones. In an email seen by Mirror Online, 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." Along with issuing the alert, O2 has also supplied a link with reveals all the phones that could soon lose their connection. Once clicked, customers can simply add their phone's model number to see if it will continue to work in the future. So why is this change taking place? 3G has long been superseded by 4G and 5G networks with it carrying less and less traffic as people switch to improved technology. O2 says that by focusing its investment on 4G and 5G, it will be able to further expand and upgrade services, while being more energy efficient and better for the environment. Of course, one of the biggest benefits of 4G and 5G is that it's much faster than 3G, which means users can easily stream movies and download files when away from fixed line broadband. 3G can only muster around 30 Mbps speeds, 5G can push well past 300Mbps. When will the O2 3G switch off take place? O2's full 3G switch off will start from April 2025, in Durham, and will continue across the UK throughout the rest of the year.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Star-studded "moreish" psychological drama gets new UK streaming home and you can watch it now
The star-studded psychological drama Little Fires Everywhere has found a new streaming home in the UK. The miniseries, which stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, was previously available to stream on Prime Video, but it left the streaming service earlier this month. Based on Celeste Ng's 2017 book of the same name, the 2020 series was recently added to Disney+ where you can watch all eight episodes now. Little Fires Everywhere follows the paths of two families whose lives become intertwined as secrets are unveiled and betrayals begin to take place. Per the logline, the series follows "a picture-perfect family and the mother and daughter who upend their lives". Related: Watch Reese Witherspoon cast young Elle Woods for Legally Blonde prequel in emotional video Joining Witherspoon and Washington on the cast are Dawson's Creek actor Joshua Jackson, Grey's Anatomy star Jesse Williams, The Princess and the Frog's Anika Noni Rose, and Lexi Underwood. The miniseries was popular among critics, receiving a score of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes from 80 reviews. The Guardian described Little Fires Everywhere as "moreish, searing, excellent. What it is not is nuanced", while The Sydney Morning Herald said this: "The cast here is fantastic (the kids are unbelievably good) and it's packed with clever detail." The New York Times wrote: "It's a busy and reasonably intriguing story if you skate over its less convincing twists. And it benefits from excellent work by Washington and Underwood." Related: How to Train Your Dragon gets new UK streaming home ahead of the remake's release "Shenanigans aside, what makes Little Fires Everywhere perfect for our current, stranger-than-fiction moment is the ordinariness of the lives it presents," penned Vogue. The Age praised Witherspoon's lead performance, writing: "This is, in fact, one of the best performances of Witherspoon's career. It's doubtful there's a more self-aware actress in Hollywood, or one who is better at challenging our expectations even as she is meeting them." "More than Little Fires Everywhere's soapy and somewhat predictable twists and turns, it is the interplay between its two leads that generates the most worthwhile heat," wrote The New Republic. Little Fires Everywhere is available to stream now on Disney+ in the UK. Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99. at Audible£49.99 at at £328.00 at at at at £99.00 at Amazon at EE£54.98 at at at at EE at at at at at Amazon at at at at Sky Mobile£29.98 at at Game at at at at at EE at at Pandora£259.99 at at at at at Pandora at at Game at Three at at at at at at at at at AO at £199.99 at Fitbit$15.00 at at at at at at at at at at at John Lewis at at at at at at at at £90.00 at at at at at John Lewis at at John Lewis & Partners at at at at Amazon£6.62 at at Amazon at Fitbit£119.99 at at Amazon£184.00 at John Lewis & Partners at Three at at at at at at at at at at at at Apple£49.99 at Amazon at £293.81 at at at at Three at at at at John Lewis at at at at at at EE£379.99 at at Audible at at at at at at at at EE at £449.00 at John Lewis£32.99 at Amazon at at at at at Apple at at Microsoft at at Samsung at at at Apple at Three£229.00 at John Lewis at at John Lewis at at at at Samsung at crunchyroll£1199.00 at AO at at Amazon at John Lewis & Partners at at at at at Microsoft£299.00 at Microsoft at at at at at at Amazon at at John Lewis at now at at at John Lewis & Partners at at at at Microsoft at at John Lewis at at at at £6.65 at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at Might Also Like PS5 consoles for sale – PlayStation 5 stock and restocks: Where to buy PS5 today? IS MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 THE BEST IN THE SERIES? OUR REVIEW AEW game is a modern mix of No Mercy and SmackDown
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales' Beauty Spots to Get Better Mobile Coverage with Mast Upgrades
Tourists and hikers exploring Wales' most renowned beauty spots and national parks will benefit from a huge boost in mobile coverage, helping them plan routes and receive live weather updates for safer outdoors adventures. Nearly 30 mobile masts, initially only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999, have now been upgraded to provide coverage from all mobile network operators. The upgrade of existing masts will limit the visual and natural impact on the environment, causing less disruption to the surrounding areas. The upgrades will benefit thousands of local residents and many more visiting the surrounding areas, bringing fast and reliable 4G networks to remote communities previously plagued by poor signal. This will support local tourism and economic growth, the core mission of the Government's Plan for Change. The rollout is part of the Shared Rural Network programme led by the UK government and mobile network operators to improve mobile connectivity in rural communities across Britain. The new coverage will boost safety for holiday makers as well as economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas in Wales, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty to benefit from the boost include the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, in addition to many more rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire, Bognor, Ceredigion and others. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: 'Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. 'This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe.' The 4G boost will bring numerous benefits for local communities, enhancing connectivity to support local businesses, improving access to essential online services, enabling quicker payment options and giving farmers access to cutting-edge technology which can improve their productivity and sustainability. Research from telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can deliver a variety of economic benefits, including increased innovation, more flexible working and increasing the labour force, and opening up to larger markets. It is estimated that these benefits could increase gross value added (GVA) for those affected by improved connectivity by 0.5% each year. These upgrades mark significant progress in the government's mission to break down barriers to opportunity and boost economic growth across the UK, as outlined in the Plan for Change. To expand coverage even further, 50 more sites in England, Wales and Scotland are also being targeted for upgrades by March 2026. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. 'Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. 'This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales.' Ben Roome, CEO of Mova said: 'This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. 'These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66% to 81% of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. 'With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage.'
STV News
4 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Rural Scots in four regions given ‘significant' 4G coverage boost
Rural Scots have been given a 'significant' boost in mobile coverage following a programme to improve 4G service in the country. Some 13 mobile masts have been upgraded in four regions, with mobile networks now covering an area equivalent to thousands of football pitches. Services have now been expanded in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber; Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock; Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk; and Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale. Before the upgrade, the 13 masts had only connected EE customers and those making 999 calls. They will now cover all four mobile network carriers. The UK Government said the upgrades will transform connectivity in remote areas of Scotland that have long suffered from poor signal. It said the regions should now have reliable 4G data for local residents and visitors. Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: 'This significant mobile connectivity boost, funded by the UK Government, will help people in some of Scotland's most rural communities. 'It will support local businesses and improve access and safety for residents and visitors alike. 'Improving digital connectivity – including in our most remote communities – is a key part of the UK Government's plan for change – it is vital to delivering jobs and economic growth. 'And upgrading existing masts rather than building new ones, there will be minimal environmental impact in what are some of Scotland's most scenic areas.' The upgrades form part of the UK Government's shared rural network programme, a partnership with mobile network operators aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas throughout Britain. The Government said the programme has delivered coverage to more than 95% of the UK's landmass, with further improvements planned until early 2027. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
