Latest news with #mobileoperators
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EE to launch phone plans which restrict internet for teens
EE is introducing new phone plans next month which it says will restrict the internet for teens - so long as they don't use wi-fi. Its new Sim-only mobile plans will filter the web at different levels depending on the age of the child using it, with three separate tiers of protections. The plans will also have other features such as reduced internet speeds for younger teens to "limit streaming", as well as protecting against scam calls. But EE can only control what is accessed by using mobile data using its network - meaning it cannot filter content accessed via wi-fi, which is operated separately. The mobile network operator, which has 25m customers, says it is the UK's first major network to introduce smartphone plans for under-18s. Firms operating mobile networks in the UK are already required by the regulator Ofcom to ensure only adults can access adult content while using their network. They do this by filtering and blocking access to websites deemed 18+ according to the British Board of Film Classification. This can mean attempting to visit a platform such as a porn site using a 4G or 5G connection, rather than wi-fi, can result in the page not displaying. Users are typically required to verify that they are an adult - and the account holder - through a credit card check or by logging into their account online to change their settings. What are the plans? Despite EE's content restrictions not applying to content viewed using wi-fi, the firm believes its new plans still provide teen smartphone users and parents with more protections. Its Sim-only plans will be available for use on all smartphones and start from £7 per month, when launched in August. EE's three tiers offer different levels of protections depending on the age of the user, with its "protected" plan for pre-teens having "strict" controls while its "guided" and "trusted" plans for older teens having "moderate" controls for web access. Each of the plans also has protections against receiving scam calls. "As the UK's best network for families, we understand that while smartphones offer many benefits to people, there are also very real risks and challenges, especially for young people," said Claire Gillies, head of the consumer division of BT, which owns EE. "As a parent of a teenager, I too have had to balance the benefits and challenges that come with giving our children their first smartphone." 'Like mum in the old days' EE's new mobile plans will add to the dozens of safety features at app-level, website-level and device-level designed to help parents protect their children from harmful content. But many adults report feeling confused and overwhelmed by them. EE ambassador and TV presenter Konnie Huq said at a launch event for the new plans she felt "like her mum in the old days" - who she recalled struggling to work the family's TV remote controls. Meta, which owns Instagram and WhatsApp, says take-up of its numerous parental controls is relatively low. Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore told the BBC that EE's plans are "a huge step in the right direction" but implementation of such controls "is no easy feat". "Unfortunately, some users struggle to get a phone signal and are forced to rely on wi-fi," he said. "Making these initiatives more technology-agnostic will remove some of the complexities and make them easier to access." In-store chats As well as its different plans for children, EE is offering in-store appointments for families to receive guidance about using smartphones safely. It will also launch a resource it says can help parents navigate conversations with children about owning a phone. "Many parents tell us that they are overwhelmed when it comes to online safety for their children, and don't know where to start," said Carolyn Bunting MBE, head of children's safety charity Internet Matters. She said they were "positive steps to support families" and told the BBC the plans could be more effective than banning teens from platforms altogether. "If we just ban kids there is no impetus for the tech companies to create safe spaces," she Ms Bunting. It comes amid a broader shift towards tech companies making it more difficult for children to stumble upon harmful or explicit content. A range of sites operating in the UK were required to start checking the age of users on Friday. Nobody is promoting a "silver bullet" but everyone is saying that measures like these have a part to play. The question is whether they are genuinely effective or just making parents feel better. VPNs top download charts as age verification law kicks in What the Online Safety Act is - and how to keep children safe online How will age verification for porn work and what about privacy? Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
Emergency alert test returning in 2025 with nearly all UK mobiles affected
Nearly every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive an emergency alert message in 2025, which will trigger a loud 10-second siren-like sound. The message will come as part of a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system by the government and mobile network operators. Emergency alerts is a UK government service that warns people when there's a danger to life nearby. says: "In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe." Alerts will only be sent by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies. They will usually alert people to things like sever flooding, fires or extreme weather. Some people received emergency alerts from the UK and Scottish Governments back in January due to the red weather warning and strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn. While the last test of the service took place on April 23, 2023. An emergency alert was sent out to people across the UK and Northern Ireland in January due to Strom Eowyn. (Image: Rebecca Black/PA Wire) The last test alert read: "Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. "Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Following the successful test of the UK Emergency Alerts system in 2023, the government said it would carry out "occasional operator tests" to assess improvements made. The next national test is set to take place later this year (an exact date is yet to be revealed). Every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive a new emergency alert test message in 2025. (Image: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire) The website says: "You may get this alert if you have a phone that has operator test alerts turned on. "These operator tests are not alerting you of real danger. These alerts will always have 'operator' in the title and will confirm that no action is needed." If you get an emergency alert, your mobile phone or tablet will: Make a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds Vibrate Read out the alert The alert will also include a phone number or a link to the website for more information. What does the alert look and sound like? 🚨 Emergency Alerts will appear on the home screen of your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and feel a vibration for up to 10 seconds. Watch the video below 📽️👇 — Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) March 19, 2023 Emergency alerts, according to the Government website, will only work on the following devices: iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later Other phones that do not run iOS or Android may also receive alerts. You may also still be able to receive alerts if operating on an earlier version of Android. To check, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts'. You will not receive an emergency alert message if your device is: Turned off Connected to a 2G or 3G network Wifi only Not compatible In airplane mode If you do not wish to receive an emergency alert message as part of the national training, you can opt out. To stop receiving operator test alerts on Android devices, search your phone's settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. If you cannot see them in your settings, the government recommends: Opening your phone's calling app Using the keypad to enter *#*#2627#*#* Search your settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts' RECOMMENDED READING: Met Office emergency alerts gives Brits 'heart attacks' as they expect 'WW3' Virgin Media O2 to continue switch off next month leaving customers with no internet BBC iPlayer to stop working on select TV boxes from next month - is yours one? Depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alert settings may be called different names, according to The settings can usually be found in one of the following ways. The government website says to go to: 'Message', then 'message settings, then 'wireless emergency alerts', then 'alert' 'Settings', then 'sounds', then 'advanced', then 'emergency broadcasts' 'Settings', then 'general settings', then 'emergency alerts' "Then turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'," it adds.
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Free tool reveals which mobile network is best for YOU based on where you live
A NEW free-to-use tool reveals which mobile network is best for you based on where you live. Ofcom has unveiled a new "Map Your Mobile" checker which tells you how good 4G and 5G coverage is in your local area. 2 You enter your postcode which draws up a map of which networks are available near you and which phone operator's network offers you the best performance. Mobile phone users can find the new tool via Ofcom said home movers can use the tool to suss out whether the coverage in an area they plan to move into is good enough. It also said commuters can use it to figure out what network best suits them on the way in and home from work. The checker features data based on previous customers' reviews on coverage in certain areas, combined with data from the major networks on how strong their signal is in selected zones. Ofcom said at a local level, data from the major networks can be unreliable due to factors like the weather, or whether you're in a certain type of building or area. Phone users will also be told how good coverage is down to a 50-square metre radius, equivalent to a postcode of up to 20 homes. Ofcom said the checker will be updated with fresh data after its launch to improve the service for users. Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: "In the crowded market of UK mobile networks, consumers need access to accurate mobile coverage and performance information to choose a plan that meets their needs and represents good value for money. 'Ofcom's new tool will help consumers make informed decisions with crowd-sourced data and predictive data from mobile network operators, which should increase the reliability of coverage information available to consumers. 'It's important that the tool continues to incorporate user feedback to stay relevant, accurate, and responsive to the changing needs of consumers." Tom Luke, vice president at Opensignal, which helped make the tool with Ofcom, added: "Our partnership with Ofcom shifts the focus to real-world experience, using independent analysis of over 20million tests across the UK. "By putting this data directly into consumers' hands, we're helping them make smarter choices about which network truly delivers consistent quality where they live and work." There are other ways to check mobile phone internet coverage in your area, including for free via Which? also has a list of the major firms' mobile phone coverage checker tools available on its website. Best and worst broadband and mobile phone providers The launch of the new tool from Ofcom comes after the regulator last month unveiled the best and worst telecoms firms in 2024 based on customer satisfaction. In terms of mobile phone providers, Tesco Mobile and giffgaff came out on top with overall scores of 94%. Lebara came in third with a score of 91%, EE fourth with 90%, then Sky and Three in joint fifth with 87%. At the bottom of the pack was O2 with 85% then Vodafone with 84%. Tesco Mobile experienced the fewest complaints to Ofcom in 2024, with just four complaints per 100,000 customers. However, Ofcom said that the average number of complaints reduced in 2024 across all providers. Elsewhere, the average call waiting time for mobile customers decreased in 2024, from 2mins 24s in 2023 to 1min 52s in 2024. 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.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mobile phone subscriptions in Egypt hit 120mln in 2024
Arab Finance: Mobile phone subscriptions in Egypt reached nearly 120 million in 2024, accompanied by more than 10% growth in mobile internet usage compared to the previous year, according to official figures. The year also saw the launch of several new services, including embedded SIM cards (eSIM) and Wi-Fi Calling, designed to ensure continuous connectivity, even in remote areas, without imposing additional costs on users. Egypt granted the first 5G network license at the start of 2024. By year-end, all mobile network operators secured licenses as part of a broader strategy to accelerate digital infrastructure and improve national competitiveness. In collaboration with mobile operators, the government has laid out a phased plan for 5G deployment, with initial coverage focusing on major cities, key transportation corridors, and strategic economic zones. Such cooperation guarantees benefiting from the capabilities of these technologies in achieving development and national competitiveness. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Globe and Mail
18-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Mobile industry emissions down 8%, but pace must double to hit net zero
LONDON , /CNW/ -- The mobile industry's operational emissions fell by 8% between 2019 and 2023, even as mobile connections grew by 9% and data traffic quadrupled, according to the GSMA's fifth annual Mobile Net Zero report released today. The mobile industry has successfully started to decouple emissions from data and connectivity growth – a stark contrast to global emissions, which have increased 4% since 2019. However, to continue progress and keep net zero by 2050 on track, emissions must fall by 7.5% annually until 2030 – more than twice the average annual rate to date. Key findings include: Preliminary 2024 data suggests a further 4.5% drop in emissions – an acceleration on previous years, but still short of the 7.5% annual reduction needed to 2030. 37% of electricity used by operators disclosing to CDP came from renewables in 2023 – avoiding 16 million tonnes of emissions. 81 mobile operators (covering nearly half of global connections) have set or committed to science-based targets. Europe (-56%), NA (-44%), and LatAm (-36%) lead in operational emissions reductions between 2019 and 2023. New analysis of China shows operational emissions fell by 4% in 2024 – the first recorded decline. The acceleration in decarbonisation is driven by operator actions to improve network energy efficiency and transition to clean energy, including solar and battery storage, while reducing reliance on diesel generators. Encouraging new analysis was published today to frame discussions at MWC25 Shanghai in China – where there are more than one billion 5G connections. Preliminary 2024 data shows a 4% operational emissions reduction year-on-year driven by a more than quadrupling in renewable energy use by operators. As the industry's largest single market, China's progress is instrumental in achieving global net zero targets. Steven Moore , Head of Climate Action at the GSMA, comments: "Our findings show the mobile industry isn't greenwashing or greenwishing – it's green acting. Emissions are trending in the right direction, but the pace of progress must now double. "This is a global effort, and it's encouraging to see momentum building across every region – from Latin America to Europe and especially to China . " But to sustain this progress, we need broader support: better access to renewables, more policy certainty, and stronger collaboration across the ecosystem. Climate transition plans will play an increasingly important role in navigating what comes next."
