Latest news with #JeanieYork
Rhyl Journal
4 days 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).
Scotsman
24-04-2025
- Scotsman
School's out, screens on: Virgin Media O2 broadband data shows after-school rise amid busy family routines
Virgin Media O2 has today released new data that shows children are reaching for screens as soon as school finishes, with a clear spike in broadband traffic at 3:40pm every weekday. The surge is being driven by data-heavy TV streaming and families watching YouTube. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The weekday traffic jump comes from Virgin Media O2's broadband network analysis, which is a reliable indicator of the connectivity habits of the British public. Alongside the data analysis, Virgin Media O2 has asked British parents and guardians of school-age children about how they navigate the after-school period. While half of parents say they head to the park with their children after school and many others reporting that they read together, broadband data shows many families are immediately turning to screens to navigate busy afternoons. Traffic on the network jumps at 3:40pm every week day and continues to rise until around 5pm, with YouTube topping the list of platforms typically used, cited by 61% of parents, followed by TV at 55%. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One of the main drivers for this trend is that almost half (46%) of parents regularly continue to work after picking up their kids from school and find themselves juggling work and home commitments. For many families, screens provide a practical helping hand, with 62% of parents giving their children devices to use while they cook, 47% use the time to tackle housework and a third catch up on emails and work. Schools out, screens on It's no surprise then that 70% consider the internet essential to their family's daily routine. Nearly half (44%) say the household would fall apart without it and 47% admit that any WiFi issues would spark arguments over who's hogging the connection. Sheila Kanani, a busy working Mum of two boys aged four andnine, said: 'Having access to fast internet absolutely keeps our household running. The boys love being outdoors but they also love screens - their favourites are Fortnite, YouTube, Netflix and FIFA, which all have a big impact on our family life. 'A typical afternoon is collecting the eldest from school, homework on the iPad while I cook, collecting the youngest from nursery, off to football or clubs, and then downtime with the iPad or TV to play Xbox or watch Netflix.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: 'Our data shows just how essential connectivity is to modern family life. With parents juggling busy schedules and children going online to learn, stay entertained and chat with friends, our gigabit broadband ensures everyone stays connected – without the arguments. As busy households turn to our services more than ever, we're investing and innovating to deliver the reliable, high-speed connectivity British households rely on.' Virgin Media O2 is committed to upgrading its networks across the UK, to provide customers with the best experience possible, no matter where they are. This includes investing £2bn a year on its network and services to make this a reality.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mobile firm to begin 3G switch off in July
A leading mobile company has announced it is to switch off its 3G services in several locations across England on 16 July. Virgin Media O2 is to withdraw the service from Guildford in Surrey, Telford in Shropshire and Norwich in Norfolk. It will then be switched off in Torquay, in Devon, on 4 August. The firm said that all 3G services across the country will have been replaced by 4G and 5G by the end of 2025. Virgin Media O2 said most customers will not have to do anything, but it will be contacting those who do not yet have 4G or 5G compatible devices. Alternatively, they can visit an O2 store for advice. Vulnerable customers have been offered new devices free of charge, the company said. The switch off follows a successful trial in Durham in April, with the company stating that 3G now carries less than 3% of its data. 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. "Our priority is to provide support to those who need it. That is why we are reaching out directly to customers." Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Could your phone stop working soon? UK to phase out 2G and 3G by 2033 Vodafone 3G mobile switch off under way Virgin Media O2
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Brits must check phones or face having NO data as provider shuts down service – but you may be eligible for free mobile
Not sure if you're affected? Scroll down for our simple trick to check your phone SWITCH OFF Brits must check phones or face having NO data as provider shuts down service – but you may be eligible for free mobile Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ONE of the UK's biggest network providers has confirmed the next locations where a key service will close down soon. Affected Brits will be left with no data access on their phones once the switch off is complete - but you could be eligible for a free mobile upgrade. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 O2 has announced the next locations where 3G will be switched off Credit: Alamy 2 Other networks like Tesco Mobile are also affected Credit: Alamy The UK's four main network providers have been gradually closing down their old 3G service. O2 is the last of the networks to carry out the work, in line with an objective agreed with the Government in 2021. But it will affect other providers that use O2's network too, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile. The move means more faster 4G and 5G services can be installed. However, anyone with an older phone may not be able to use 4G and 5G. Most more recent phones from the last ten years or so should be 4G capable - as such, the vast majority of Brits are expected to be unaffected. But for those that are only 3G enabled, they will lose access to data when out and about, so no web browsing, WhatsApp or any other app that requires you to be online, unless you're connected to a Wi-Fi connection. Virgin Media O2 has already switched off 3G in the city of Durham but the company has now revealed where the service will disappear next. Norwich, Telford and Guildford will be the next UK locations to have 3G withdrawn on July 16. Torquay will follow on August 4. O2's 3G Shutdown: Is Your Phone Ready? O2 says it is directly contacting all customers across the UK who currently don't have a 4G or 5G device to provide information and support ahead of a wider switch off beginning from August. The switch off is due to be complete by the end of 2025. Known vulnerable customers have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge. All other customers who don't currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price. "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," said Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer. "Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this month, 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."
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Brits must check phones or face having NO data as provider shuts down service – but you may be eligible for free mobile
ONE of the UK's biggest network providers has confirmed the next locations where a key service will close down soon. Affected Brits will be left with no data access on their phones once the switch off is complete - but you could be eligible for a free mobile upgrade. Advertisement 2 O2 has announced the next locations where 3G will be switched off Credit: Alamy 2 Other networks like Tesco Mobile are also affected Credit: Alamy The UK's four main network providers have been gradually closing down their old 3G service. O2 is the last of the networks to carry out the work, in line with an objective agreed with the Government in 2021. But it will affect other providers that use O2's network too, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile . The move means more faster 4G and 5G services can be installed. Advertisement Read more about O2 However, anyone with an older phone may not be able to use 4G and 5G. Most more recent phones from the last ten years or so should be 4G capable - as such, the vast majority of Brits are expected to be unaffected. But for those that are only 3G enabled, they will lose access to data when out and about, so no web browsing, WhatsApp or any other app that requires you to be online, unless you're connected to a Wi-Fi connection. Virgin Media O2 has Advertisement Most read in Tech Latest Norwich, Telford and Guildford will be the next UK locations to have 3G withdrawn on July 16. O2's 3G Shutdown: Is Your Phone Ready? O2 says it is directly contacting all customers across the UK who currently don't have a 4G or 5G device to provide information and support ahead of a wider switch off beginning from August. The switch off is due to be complete by the end of 2025. Advertisement Known vulnerable customers have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge. All other customers who don't currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price. "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," said Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer. "Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this month, 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. Advertisement "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." How to check if your phone is affected There is a simple trick to check if phone is affected by the 3G switch off. Go into your phone's settings and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network. If you see 4G or 5G listed then you are in the clear.
