Latest news with #SimratSharma
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Three Mobile customers urged to apply for compensation after network went down for 14 hours
THREE Mobile customers are being urged to file complaints and seek compensation following a 14-hour outage. Tens of thousands of customers reported being unable to make or receive phone calls or send SMS text messages on Wednesday. 1 The outage began at 8am, with angry customers flooding social media with complaints. Three, which recently merged with Vodafone, swiftly acknowledged the issue with a post on X (formerly Twitter). It read: "We're aware of an issue affecting voice services and are working hard to fix it. " Data services are working normally. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused." Despite the early update, the mobile network didn't confirm the issue was resolved until 10pm last night. Since then, many customers have asked if they'll get compensation. A third customer said: "I hope we all get compensated from you." So, can customers claim compensation? Three Mobile network down with customers unable to make or receive calls We reached out to Three, but the company declined to confirm if it will pay out. Telecom regulator Ofcom has an automatic compensation scheme for broadband and landline customers when services are disrupted. However, mobile customers aren't covered and don't receive the same protection for connection issues. That said, you can still request compensation directly from your provider. Simrat Sharma, Uswitch mobiles expert, said: "Three's reported outages this week will be incredibly frustrating for customers - and it's understandable that many will be thinking about compensation. "Ofcom advises that compensation for mobile signal outages is 'dependent on the circumstances'. "But in extreme cases where repairs take much longer, you may be entitled to an additional refund or account credit. "If you've experienced huge disruption from the outage, don't hesitate to contact your provider to see if they can help." Customers can use the 'Live Chat' feature on Three's website or dial 333 from their mobile to file a complaint and request compensation. It's likely compensation would be considered on a case by case basis, for example if you use your phone for your business and you were unable to make calls or if you needed to use your phone urgently, then it might be worth logging a complaint. There's no guarantee on whether compensation will be paid - but it might be worth asking. An Ofcom spokesperson added: "Anyone who has been affected by this outage should get in touch with Three directly, and if they are dissatisfied then they can consider logging a formal complaint." How to complain and WIN compensation If your provider hasn't fixed the issue on time or you're unhappy with the delay, follow the formal complaints process. Take screenshots of the outage on your phone and note how long your service was down. Be clear about any extra costs you faced because of the outage, as you might be able to claim them back. To complain, call Three on 333 or use their live chat. Keep copies of receipts or bills to show any extra costs caused by the outage – these will help strengthen your case. If your formal complaint doesn't resolve the issue, you can ask for a "deadlock letter" after eight weeks and take your dispute to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. ADR schemes are free and act as an independent mediator between you and your provider when complaints can't be settled directly. There are two ADR schemes in the UK - the Communications Ombudsman and CISAS. Providers must be part of one, and you can check which scheme covers your provider at Three is a member of the Communications Ombudsman. To file a complaint, you can fill out the claims form on the ADR scheme's website by visiting or send a letter. The ADR scheme looks at the evidence from you and your provider before making a decision. If it agrees you should get compensation and you accept the decision, your network has 28 days to pay. If you reject the decision, you won't be able to claim the resolution offered. CUT YOUR TELECOM COSTS By James Flanders, Chief Consumer Reporter Switching contracts is one of the single best ways to save money on your mobile, broadband and TV bills. But if you can't switch mid-contract without facing a penalty, you'd be best to hold off until it's up for renewal. But don't just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you're currently paying. Take a look at your minutes and texts, as well as your data usage, to find out which deal is best for you. For example, if you're a heavy internet user, it's worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don't have to spend extra on bundles or add-ons each month. In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available. It's a known fact that new customers always get the best deals. Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, allowances and provider. This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider. However, if you don't want to switch and are happy with the service you're getting under your current provider - haggle for a better deal. You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you're given after your deal. If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time. Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning. This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won't have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels. It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers. Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider. If your provider won't haggle, you can always threaten to leave. Companies don't want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you. It's also worth investigating social tariffs. These deals have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
Western Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Cut travel mobile phone roaming charges with an eSim
This simple step could help travellers avoid unexpected and costly charges upon their return. Data from Uswitch reveals that over 6 million Brits don't realise their mobile plan may not cover every country in Europe and other popular short-haul destinations. Countries including Switzerland, Turkey and Albania are often not included in standard EU roaming plans. Nearly a quarter (22%) of Brits have been caught out by unexpected roaming charges, receiving higher-than-expected phone bills after travelling abroad in the last two years. Nearly one in ten (8%) have received a £20 additional charge on top of their usual monthly bill. Simrat Sharma, Uswitch mobiles expert, shares tips for mobile users to avoid unexpected roaming charges: "It's important to be aware of potential roaming charges when using your phone on holiday, even if you have free EU roaming included. While it's great that many providers do offer free roaming in certain countries, there are usually exclusions, so it's always worth double-checking. 'You can avoid running up expensive roaming bills by checking with your provider on their respective terms and rates for travel to varying countries. Rates can vary between users on the same network, so it's essential to review your plan and understand your own personal data allowances and usage limits before you travel. 'If you're unsure, we recommend you contact your provider directly to discuss roaming caps, your current deal's coverage, and potential costs associated with roaming abroad.' How to avoid hefty holiday roaming bills Know before you go Even if you have roaming included as part of your mobile plan, it's always worth double-checking that the country you're visiting is included. Check the cap fits Even if you pay for a bundle to roam abroad, you may not have the same data allowances as you do in the UK. Check your provider's fair usage policy to govern how much data you can use before you incur extra charges. You can also set up a spend cap with your provider to avoid surprise bills when you return. Keep it SIM-ple If you're with a provider that has roaming charges, it's worth considering buying a one-month SIM-only or a travel eSIM deal that will cover you for your time away. Wi-Fi wins Use secure and trusted hotel Wi-Fi connections whenever possible. You can also enable Wi-Fi calling or use services such as WhatsApp to make audio calls without using your minutes. Ensure access points are safe and secure before logging on and avoid activities like online banking on public networks. Take care with data passes If you choose to purchase a data, call, and/or text top-up pass, remember to check the terms and conditions carefully. These may have an expiration time of midnight UK time, which could leave you caught out depending on your time zone. It is also worth remembering that once you opt into a paid-for pass, you also may be automatically opted out of your provider spending cap. If in doubt, engage flight mode Flight mode is not just for when you're up in the air - turning it on while abroad, particularly in countries with high roaming charges, can prevent accidental roaming charges for calls, texts, or data. This simple step ensures that your phone doesn't automatically connect to expensive networks. You can turn it back off when you're ready to use Wi-Fi or if you need to make a call. Switch off voicemail When overseas, you can expect to pay the same per-minute rate for checking your messages as you do for making calls. Yet sometimes even receiving a voicemail on holiday can cost you. Before traveling, call your provider to ask them to temporarily switch off voicemail services to avoid these charges. Recommended reading: Expert reveals how to avoid being charged for listening to voicemails abroad Downloading an eSIM and disabling your primary SIM can help minimise fees and enable efficient roaming. With major UK network providers charging up to £2.34 to receive and a further £2.34 a minute to listen to a voicemail, it can become expensive—especially if you receive multiple voicemails or ones that are several minutes long on your travels. For those who want to use their mobile abroad and need to pick up voicemails, but avoid high costs, experts at eSIM travel company, Airalo advise: 'Travellers should be mindful of background data usage on their devices, as it can quickly lead to costly charges. "Simply disabling voicemail while abroad helps avoid unnecessary fees, but a more effective solution is downloading an eSIM and turning off your primary SIM. "This allows you to use your phone as usual while significantly reducing roaming costs. "eSIMs offer a cost-effective alternative to major UK network providers, helping customers stay connected abroad without the risk of excessive charges. By opting for an eSIM, travellers can enjoy cheaper and more efficient data usage while avoiding hefty bills.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
The simple phone mistakes that can cost hundreds, and how to avoid them
The simple phone mistakes that can cost hundreds, and how to avoid them As millions of Brits prepare to travel abroad for summer holidays, experts say it's time to double-check mobile providers' roaming policies. (Image: Getty Images) As millions of Brits prepare to travel abroad for summer holidays, experts say it's time to double-check mobile providers' roaming policies. This simple step could help travellers avoid unexpected and costly charges upon their return. Data from Uswitch reveals that over 6 million Brits don't realise their mobile plan may not cover every country in Europe and other popular short-haul destinations. Countries including Switzerland, Turkey and Albania are often not included in standard EU roaming plans. Nearly a quarter (22%) of Brits have been caught out by unexpected roaming charges, receiving higher-than-expected phone bills after travelling abroad in the last two years. Nearly one in ten (8%) have received a £20 additional charge on top of their usual monthly bill. ADVERTISEMENT Simrat Sharma, Uswitch mobiles expert, shares tips for mobile users to avoid unexpected roaming charges: "It's important to be aware of potential roaming charges when using your phone on holiday, even if you have free EU roaming included. While it's great that many providers do offer free roaming in certain countries, there are usually exclusions, so it's always worth double-checking. 'You can avoid running up expensive roaming bills by checking with your provider on their respective terms and rates for travel to varying countries. Rates can vary between users on the same network, so it's essential to review your plan and understand your own personal data allowances and usage limits before you travel. 'If you're unsure, we recommend you contact your provider directly to discuss roaming caps, your current deal's coverage, and potential costs associated with roaming abroad.' How to avoid hefty holiday roaming bills Know before you go Even if you have roaming included as part of your mobile plan, it's always worth double-checking that the country you're visiting is included. Check the cap fits Even if you pay for a bundle to roam abroad, you may not have the same data allowances as you do in the UK. Check your provider's fair usage policy to govern how much data you can use before you incur extra charges. You can also set up a spend cap with your provider to avoid surprise bills when you return. Keep it SIM-ple If you're with a provider that has roaming charges, it's worth considering buying a one-month SIM-only or a travel eSIM deal that will cover you for your time away. Wi-Fi wins Use secure and trusted hotel Wi-Fi connections whenever possible. You can also enable Wi-Fi calling or use services such as WhatsApp to make audio calls without using your minutes. Ensure access points are safe and secure before logging on and avoid activities like online banking on public networks. Take care with data passes If you choose to purchase a data, call, and/or text top-up pass, remember to check the terms and conditions carefully. These may have an expiration time of midnight UK time, which could leave you caught out depending on your time zone. ADVERTISEMENT It is also worth remembering that once you opt into a paid-for pass, you also may be automatically opted out of your provider spending cap. If in doubt, engage flight mode Flight mode is not just for when you're up in the air - turning it on while abroad, particularly in countries with high roaming charges, can prevent accidental roaming charges for calls, texts, or data. This simple step ensures that your phone doesn't automatically connect to expensive networks. You can turn it back off when you're ready to use Wi-Fi or if you need to make a call. Switch off voicemail When overseas, you can expect to pay the same per-minute rate for checking your messages as you do for making calls. Yet sometimes even receiving a voicemail on holiday can cost you. Before traveling, call your provider to ask them to temporarily switch off voicemail services to avoid these charges. Recommended reading: ADVERTISEMENT Expert reveals how to avoid being charged for listening to voicemails abroad Downloading an eSIM and disabling your primary SIM can help minimise fees and enable efficient roaming. With major UK network providers charging up to £2.34 to receive and a further £2.34 a minute to listen to a voicemail, it can become expensive—especially if you receive multiple voicemails or ones that are several minutes long on your travels. For those who want to use their mobile abroad and need to pick up voicemails, but avoid high costs, experts at eSIM travel company, Airalo advise: 'Travellers should be mindful of background data usage on their devices, as it can quickly lead to costly charges. ADVERTISEMENT "Simply disabling voicemail while abroad helps avoid unnecessary fees, but a more effective solution is downloading an eSIM and turning off your primary SIM. "This allows you to use your phone as usual while significantly reducing roaming costs. "eSIMs offer a cost-effective alternative to major UK network providers, helping customers stay connected abroad without the risk of excessive charges. By opting for an eSIM, travellers can enjoy cheaper and more efficient data usage while avoiding hefty bills.'
South Wales Guardian
29-04-2025
- South Wales Guardian
How to avoid roaming charges in popular holiday spots
Hefty extras could be added to phone bills by the 'surprise charges' if travellers are unaware of their mobile provider's policies. It comes as nearly a quarter of Brits have been shocked to return home to charges, according to mobile experts at Uswitch. Switzerland, Turkey, Albania and Montenegro are often not included in standard EU roaming plans, catching some holidaymakers off guard. These countries aren't part of the EU or EEA, so different rules apply. Simrat Sharma, Uswitch mobiles expert, said: 'For those travelling abroad to short-haul destinations this summer, it's important to be aware of potential roaming charges when using your phone on holiday, even if you have free EU roaming included. 'While it's great that many providers do offer free roaming in certain countries, there are usually exclusions, so it's always worth double-checking. 'You can avoid running up expensive roaming bills by checking with your provider on their respective terms and rates for travel to varying countries. 'Rates can vary between users on the same network, so it's essential to review your plan and understand your own personal data allowances and usage limits before you travel.' Even if you have roaming included as part of your mobile plan, it's always worth double-checking that the country you're visiting is included. Even if you pay for a bundle to roam abroad, you may not have the same data allowances as you do in the UK. Check your provider's fair usage policy to govern how much data you can use before you incur extra charges. If you're with a provider that has roaming charges, it's worth considering buying a one-month SIM-only or a travel eSIM deal that will cover you for your time away. When overseas, you can expect to pay the same per-minute rate for checking your messages as you do for making calls. Yet sometimes even receiving a voicemail on holiday can cost you. Before traveling, call your provider to ask them to temporarily switch off voicemail services to void these charges. Use hotel and cafe Wi-Fi connections whenever possible. You can also enable Wi-Fi calling or use services such as WhatsApp to make audio calls without using your minutes. Recommended Reading: Will airlines pay for a hotel if a flight is cancelled? When is my UK passport too damaged to use for travel? All you need to know Travel expert issues passport warning to millions booking holidays this year If you choose to purchase a data, call, and/or text top-up pass, remember to check the terms and conditions carefully. These may have an expiration time of midnight UK time, which could leave you caught out depending on your time zone. If in doubt, engage flight mode, particularly in countries with high roaming charges, as this can then prevent accidental roaming charges for calls, texts, or data.
Western Telegraph
29-04-2025
- Western Telegraph
How to avoid roaming charges in popular holiday spots
Hefty extras could be added to phone bills by the 'surprise charges' if travellers are unaware of their mobile provider's policies. It comes as nearly a quarter of Brits have been shocked to return home to charges, according to mobile experts at Uswitch. Switzerland, Turkey, Albania and Montenegro are often not included in standard EU roaming plans, catching some holidaymakers off guard. These countries aren't part of the EU or EEA, so different rules apply. Simrat Sharma, Uswitch mobiles expert, said: 'For those travelling abroad to short-haul destinations this summer, it's important to be aware of potential roaming charges when using your phone on holiday, even if you have free EU roaming included. 'While it's great that many providers do offer free roaming in certain countries, there are usually exclusions, so it's always worth double-checking. 'You can avoid running up expensive roaming bills by checking with your provider on their respective terms and rates for travel to varying countries. 'Rates can vary between users on the same network, so it's essential to review your plan and understand your own personal data allowances and usage limits before you travel.' How to avoid hefty holiday roaming bills Know before you go Even if you have roaming included as part of your mobile plan, it's always worth double-checking that the country you're visiting is included. Check the cap fits Even if you pay for a bundle to roam abroad, you may not have the same data allowances as you do in the UK. Check your provider's fair usage policy to govern how much data you can use before you incur extra charges. Keep it SIM-ple If you're with a provider that has roaming charges, it's worth considering buying a one-month SIM-only or a travel eSIM deal that will cover you for your time away. Liquid rules at airports explained Switch off voicemail When overseas, you can expect to pay the same per-minute rate for checking your messages as you do for making calls. Yet sometimes even receiving a voicemail on holiday can cost you. Before traveling, call your provider to ask them to temporarily switch off voicemail services to void these charges. Wi-Fi wins Use hotel and cafe Wi-Fi connections whenever possible. You can also enable Wi-Fi calling or use services such as WhatsApp to make audio calls without using your minutes. Recommended Reading: Take care with data passes If you choose to purchase a data, call, and/or text top-up pass, remember to check the terms and conditions carefully. These may have an expiration time of midnight UK time, which could leave you caught out depending on your time zone. If in doubt, engage flight mode, particularly in countries with high roaming charges, as this can then prevent accidental roaming charges for calls, texts, or data.
