Latest news with #mobileproviders
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Virgin Media O2 to resume switch off next month leaving these phones with no internet
Virgin Media O2 is set to continue its 3G switch off in August, which could leave some customers unable to use mobile data. The UK's major mobile providers, including EE, Vodafone and Three, have gradually been shutting off all 3G services over the past few years following an agreement with the Government back in 2021. Virgin Media O2 is the latest provider to switch off its 3G network so it can focus on "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. It continued earlier this month, with Virgin Media O2 switching off 3G services in: Norwich Telford Guildford Next area impacted by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off Torquay will be the next area affected by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off, with the service set to be shut off on August 4. The rest of the UK is set to follow by the end of the year, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, Jeanie York, said. She added: '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. 'Following the successful pilot in Durham earlier this year, we will 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." The switch-off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: Giffgaff Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off is set to continue in August. (Image: Shutterstock/Virgin Media O2) "You'll struggle to do even the basics" - Virgin Media O2 customers with 3G devices issued upgrade warning Virgin Media O2 customers still using 3G devices or sims, have been warned to upgrade to a 4G or 5G device before the switch off takes place in their area. 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. Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) explained: "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." Who is Martin Lewis? Virgin Media O2 said the "vast majority" of its customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take action as a result of the switch-off. Known vulnerable customers still using 3G devices have already been offered a 4G-ready device free of charge. While all other customers who don't currently have a 4G handset or SIM will be offered a new device at a reduced price. Customers with unwanted handsets are urged to recycle their devices through O2 Recycle, which could see them receive cash for their unwanted phone. Devices affected by Virgin Media O2's 3G switch off 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 iPhone 1 Generation iPhone 3G iPhone 3GS iPhone 4 iPhone 5S Samsung Samsung ZV60 Samsung Binou Samsung GT-C3592 Samsung BEAT S Samsung Galaxy Fame Samsung SLIDER Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 Sony Sony Ericsson WT13I Sony Ericsson W705 Sony Xperia Z2 Sony Xperia E LG LG Calisto LG Pop LG Prada LG New Chocolate LG G1600 Google Google Galaxy Nexus Google Nexus ONE Motorola Motorola MOTO E Motorola EM30 Motorola Motokey Social Motorola C118V RECOMMENDED READING: What happens when 3G is switched off? The devices affected and how to upgrade O2 offering more than £1000 for old mobiles and other devices - how to claim BBC iPlayer to stop working on these TV boxes in the coming days - is yours one? WhatsApp users warned they could be banned from the app for doing this one thing Nokia Nokia 220 Nokia 106.1 Nokia Lumia 925 Nokia 2330 Classic For the full list of devices affected or further information about Virgin Media O2's 3G network switch off, visit its website (a link to which can be found above).
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.'
