Latest news with #MobileTransformationPlan
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
O2 confirms exact date of mobile network switch off but is your town affected?
The company has also upgraded coverage to 13,000 Scottish postcodes in some of our most remote locations The majority of Brits who own a mobile phone will rarely have to worry about losing signal or service. Technology has advanced so much that these problems are now considered a thing of the past; a distant memory. However, the UK's four mobile operators are currently shutting down the country's ageing 3G networks, and Virgin Media O2 has today issued the exact dates its customers in several towns could be affected by the switch-off. As the entity behind O2's mobile network operations, Virgin Media O2 is alerting its user base that the 3G network will cease operation in Norwich, Telford, and Guildford on July 16, followed by Torquay on August 4. The move is "part of longer-term plans to deliver faster and more reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for customers." They added: "3G services in those areas will be switched off in the coming weeks, and those who currently don't have a 4G or 5G device must upgrade to a compatible handset to retain access to mobile data services," said Virgin Media O2. O2 confirmed to the Record that further details for locations in Scotland haven't been confirmed yet, but the company has upgraded 4G and 5G coverage to 13,000 Scottish postcodes in some of our most remote locations. The upgrades extend to popular tourist centres, with 782 upgraded postcodes in Edinburgh and major improvements in coverage across the Highlands. On top of this, O2 has recently installed small cells in Perth, as well as switching on its next-generation 5G standalone network in Stirling. O2 has recently brought reliable connectivity to many unique Scottish tourist destinations that previously had none. These include Corrour Station, the UK's highest and most remote railway stop, famously featured in Trainspotting. Barra Airport, the only airport in the world with a scheduled beach runway and tidal timetable, and Loch Ossian Eco Hostel and Glen Affric Hostel, reachable only by foot or bike, have also benefited north of the border. "Scotland has always been one of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the UK but now it's better connected than ever before," said Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering at O2. "Thanks to O2's Mobile Transformation Plan, whether they're hiking the Highlands, flying into Barra, or visiting a rural island, visitors can stay connected when and where it matters most." In the meantime, while Norwich, Telford, Guildford, and Torquay are next in line for disruption, O2 anticipates a complete termination of its 3G network by year's end. The nationwide switch-off is due to 3G networks becoming outdated and less utilised than before. Most smartphones available in the UK now support 4G, and many are also 5G-ready. Consequently, the O2 3G switch-off is unlikely to impact you if your smartphone is 4G or 5G capable. However, if you possess an older smartphone or a more basic mobile phone, it might only connect to 3G networks. Once 3G is completely phased out, you won't be able to use mobile data services on your device, rendering apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google services inaccessible unless connected to Wi-Fi. "While the vast majority of customers will not need to take any action, the operator is directly contacting all customers across the UK who currently don't have a 4G or 5G device to provide support," Virgin Media O2 said. The company is offering "known vulnerable customers" a complimentary 4G device. Other customers lacking a 4G handset or SIM card will be presented with an option to purchase one "at a reduced price". "Customers can visit their local O2 store for further information and support, and they are also reminded they can use O2 Recycle to responsibly and sustainably dispose of their old handsets in exchange for cash," they added. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Thousands of Scots get major 5G & 4G upgrade – find out if you're eligible
Scroll down to find out how it will affect you STAY CONNECTED Thousands of Scots get major 5G & 4G upgrade – find out if you're eligible THOUSANDS of Scots are set to get a major upgrade to their 4G and 5G coverage. O2 is making huge improvements to its mobile network across Scotland. 1 O2 making huge improvements to its mobile network across Scotland Credit: Alamy Over the past year, the mobile giant has significantly bolstered network capacity in more than 13,000 Scottish postcodes, reaching into some of the UK's most secluded corners. This effort is part of O2's £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan for this year, designed to future-proof its network and meet surging customer demand. The plan also includes the rollout of small cells in dense urban areas, such as Perth, to increase capacity. And it will address persistent connectivity headaches along major transport routes, at airports, motorways, railway lines and within stadiums and arenas. The benefits extend far beyond city limits, reaching into popular tourist hubs. Some 782 postcodes have seen upgrades in Edinburgh and there have been significant improvements to coverage across the Highlands. There's also now more reliable connectivity in some unique tourist destinations in Scotland that previously had none at all. These include Corrour Station, the UK's highest and most remote railway stop, Barra Airport, the only airport in the world with a scheduled beach runway and tidal timetable, Loch Ossian Eco Hostel and Glen Affric Hostel, reachable only by foot or bike. It comes as new research commissioned by O2 found that 48% of Brits are planning a staycation in Scotland this summer. And while many are eager for "off-grid" adventures, they still value reliable mobile connectivity for navigation, finding local amenities, entertainment and personal safety. Android fans set to receive major upgrade to turbocharge Wi-Fi and 5G on their next phone Dr Robert Joyce, Director of Mobile Access Engineering, at O2 said: 'Scotland has always been one of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the UK but now it's better connected than ever before. "Thanks to O2's Mobile Transformation Plan, whether they're hiking the Highlands, flying into Barra, or visiting a rural island, visitors can stay connected when and where it matters most.'
Glasgow Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
O2 upgrades Glasgow mobile network in 3,000 postcodes
This comes after the company made enhancements to the signal and services in more than 3,000 postcodes over the past year. The upgrades are part of Virgin Media O2's Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest around £700 million this year to future-proof its mobile network. The plan aims to expand 4G and 5G coverage, introduce dedicated small cells to increase capacity in densely populated areas, and implement innovative solutions to address persistent network pain points, including those along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas. Read more: 'Should have realised': Lorraine Kelly says daughter was 'terrified' to share secret 'Why did you open your chequebook?' - Warburton questions Rangers spending Rangers legend involved in four-person bike crash during charity challenge Dr Robert Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at O2, said: "With customers using more data than ever before, the improvements we've made at over 3,000 postcodes in Glasgow will ensure local people and businesses can access reliable connectivity that is so essential in powering our customers' digital lifestyles." Virgin Media O2 also plans to decommission outdated parts of its network, including the 3G network. This will allow the operator to transfer traffic to the more energy-efficient and reliable 4G and 5G networks. Councillor Paul Leinster, chair of the Digital Glasgow Board at Glasgow City Council, said: "Glasgow City Council is delighted to work with O2 on their mobile upgrades in the city. "Reliable and fast mobile networks are no longer a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for the residents and businesses of Glasgow. "From staying connected with loved ones, to accessing vital public services, and powering our local economy, good mobile coverage is essential to ensure that no Glaswegian is left behind."
