Latest news with #VirginMediaO2
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
BBC iPlayer to stop working on select Virgin Media TV boxes
Virgin Media has issued a warning to customers using older TiVo boxes to upgrade, as these older models will not support BBC iPlayer from next month. The change is only expected to impact a small number of customers, with a "vast majority" already owning newer models, including V6 and TV 360, which will be unaffected. Virgin Media has offered a free upgrade to a select group of customers who still use a TiVo box. When will BBC iPlayer stop working on old Virgin Media TV boxes? BBC iPlayer will stop working on older TiVo boxes on July 23, 2025. So customers will need the upgrade before then. A Virgin Media spokesperson said: 'We have written directly to the small proportion of customers with a TiVo box, who have used BBC iPlayer within the past six months, to inform them that their box will not support iPlayer from 23 July. "As we have previously communicated directly to relevant customers, anyone with a TiVo box is able to upgrade to a new Virgin TV 360 box at no extra cost.' Customers who own an old TiVo box have been offered a free upgrade to the Virgin TV 360 box (pictured). (Image: Virgin Media) Virgin Media O2 to continue 3G switch off in July Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 will continue its 3G switch off in July, 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. 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. Its 3G network switch-off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected. 📡 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 News (@VMO2News) April 22, 2025 Virgin Media O2's 3G switch-off is set to continue next month (July) in the following areas: Norwich (July 16) Telford (July 16) Guildford (July 16) The 3G network in Torquay will also be shut off on August 4, Virgin Media O2 previously revealed. 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. RECOMMENDED READING: The switch off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: Giffgaff Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile 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. If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off visit the Virgin Media O2 website (a link to whcih can be found above) and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
BBC iPlayer to stop working on select Virgin Media TV boxes
Virgin Media has issued a warning to customers using older TiVo boxes to upgrade, as these older models will not support BBC iPlayer from next month. The change is only expected to impact a small number of customers, with a "vast majority" already owning newer models, including V6 and TV 360, which will be unaffected. Virgin Media has offered a free upgrade to a select group of customers who still use a TiVo box. BBC iPlayer will stop working on older TiVo boxes on July 23, 2025. So customers will need the upgrade before then. A Virgin Media spokesperson said: 'We have written directly to the small proportion of customers with a TiVo box, who have used BBC iPlayer within the past six months, to inform them that their box will not support iPlayer from 23 July. "As we have previously communicated directly to relevant customers, anyone with a TiVo box is able to upgrade to a new Virgin TV 360 box at no extra cost.' Customers who own an old TiVo box have been offered a free upgrade to the Virgin TV 360 box (pictured). (Image: Virgin Media) Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 will continue its 3G switch off in July, 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. 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. Its 3G network switch-off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected. 📡 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 3G switch-off is set to continue next month (July) in the following areas: The 3G network in Torquay will also be shut off on August 4, Virgin Media O2 previously revealed. 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. RECOMMENDED READING: Virgin Media customers can access more than 100 hidden TV channels for free ITV channels 'no longer available' on TV boxes from this week - see those affected Netflix to be removed from more than 40 TV models next month - see which ones Channel 4 no longer available on TV boxes from this month - see those affected The switch off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: 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. If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off visit the Virgin Media O2 website (a link to whcih can be found above) and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
BBC iPlayer to stop working on select Virgin Media TV boxes
Virgin Media has issued a warning to customers using older TiVo boxes to upgrade, as these older models will not support BBC iPlayer from next month. The change is only expected to impact a small number of customers, with a "vast majority" already owning newer models, including V6 and TV 360, which will be unaffected. Virgin Media has offered a free upgrade to a select group of customers who still use a TiVo box. BBC iPlayer will stop working on older TiVo boxes on July 23, 2025. So customers will need the upgrade before then. A Virgin Media spokesperson said: 'We have written directly to the small proportion of customers with a TiVo box, who have used BBC iPlayer within the past six months, to inform them that their box will not support iPlayer from 23 July. "As we have previously communicated directly to relevant customers, anyone with a TiVo box is able to upgrade to a new Virgin TV 360 box at no extra cost.' Customers who own an old TiVo box have been offered a free upgrade to the Virgin TV 360 box (pictured). (Image: Virgin Media) Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 will continue its 3G switch off in July, 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. 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. Its 3G network switch-off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected. 📡 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 3G switch-off is set to continue next month (July) in the following areas: The 3G network in Torquay will also be shut off on August 4, Virgin Media O2 previously revealed. 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. RECOMMENDED READING: Virgin Media customers can access more than 100 hidden TV channels for free ITV channels 'no longer available' on TV boxes from this week - see those affected Netflix to be removed from more than 40 TV models next month - see which ones Channel 4 no longer available on TV boxes from this month - see those affected The switch off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: 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. If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off visit the Virgin Media O2 website (a link to whcih can be found above) and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
BBC iPlayer to stop working on select Virgin Media TV boxes
The change is only expected to impact a small number of customers, with a "vast majority" already owning newer models, including V6 and TV 360, which will be unaffected. Virgin Media has offered a free upgrade to a select group of customers who still use a TiVo box. When will BBC iPlayer stop working on old Virgin Media TV boxes? BBC iPlayer will stop working on older TiVo boxes on July 23, 2025. So customers will need the upgrade before then. A Virgin Media spokesperson said: 'We have written directly to the small proportion of customers with a TiVo box, who have used BBC iPlayer within the past six months, to inform them that their box will not support iPlayer from 23 July. "As we have previously communicated directly to relevant customers, anyone with a TiVo box is able to upgrade to a new Virgin TV 360 box at no extra cost.' Customers who own an old TiVo box have been offered a free upgrade to the Virgin TV 360 box (pictured). (Image: Virgin Media) Virgin Media O2 to continue 3G switch off in July Meanwhile, Virgin Media O2 will continue its 3G switch off in July, 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. 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. Its 3G network switch-off began on April 2, with the city of Durham the first area affected. 📡 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 News (@VMO2News) April 22, 2025 Virgin Media O2's 3G switch-off is set to continue next month (July) in the following areas: Norwich (July 16) Telford (July 16) Guildford (July 16) The 3G network in Torquay will also be shut off on August 4, Virgin Media O2 previously revealed. 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. RECOMMENDED READING: The switch off is also set to impact other mobile providers which use Virgin Media O2's network, including: Giffgaff Sky Mobile Tesco Mobile 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. If you are unsure whether or not your device will lose mobile data access when Virgin Media O2's 3G network is switched off visit the Virgin Media O2 website (a link to whcih can be found above) and look at its list of devices that are not compatible with 4G and WiFi Calling.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Railway tunnels to get phone signal in bid to eliminate ‘not spots'
Train passengers will no longer face the frustration of having phone calls cut out each time they enter a tunnel, under new plans from Network Rail. The track operator aims to eliminate so-called 'not spots' for voice calls, streaming and text messages by 2028 – with plans to extend connectivity to dozens of tunnels and cuttings on Britain's key intercity routes. The work to fill in gaps beyond the reach of existing masts on the East Coast, West Coast and Great Western lines will be undertaken by wireless infrastructure specialist Freshwave. The firm will, in turn, recoup its investment by selling bandwidth to mobile network operators Virgin Media O2, Vodafone/Three and BT's EE – which are backing the project. Dubbed Project Reach, the scheme will tackle signal blackspots in 57 tunnels of 250 metres or more including the 2.5-mile shaft under the Cotswolds at Chipping Sodbury near Bristol, one of the longest on the UK rail network. Freshwave will also upgrade wireless infrastructure at the main stations in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, together with five stations in London, with work due to commence next year. The London-based firm currently provides connectivity for more than 2,000 buildings and 200 high streets, as well managing hundreds of masts. Simon Frumkin, chief executive of Freshwave, said: 'Project Reach will make a noticeable difference in some of the most frustrating parts of their journey. The mobile connectivity will mean fewer dropped calls, smoother streaming, and more consistent access to travel updates.' One significant gap will remain following the project, with the provision of connectivity through the 4.5-mile Severn Tunnel, regarded as too technologically challenging. The longest underwater tunnel in the world until 1987, it contains a freshwater spring from which more than 10m gallons of water a day must be pumped. The scheme will also see Neos Networks deploy more than 600 miles of ultrafast fibre optic cable alongside the same three arterial railway lines, stretching from London as far as Newcastle, Cardiff and Manchester via Birmingham. Neos will install a 432-core high count cable, providing a huge capacity upgrade compared with the railway's existing 24 and 48 count cable similar to that found on residential streets. The cable will join up Neos data centres – of which there are 90 nationwide – by the easiest physical pathways, rather than serving rail passengers. However, the terms of the deal will allow Network Rail to take up 50pc of the broadband capacity created to facilitate the digitisation of railway signalling, seen as key to allowing trains to run faster and closer together, fitting in more services and cutting journey times. Network Rail said the cabling plan will deliver a saving of around £300m for taxpayers and could be extended to cover more than 3,000 miles of track in future, taking in routes such as the London to Brighton and Great Eastern lines. Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, said Project Reach will deliver a more reliable and efficient service for passengers while also supporting the 'broader goals of economic growth and digital innovation'. The move follows the Government's announcement last week of £41m of funding for satellite connectivity to improve the availability and speeds of Wi-Fi on mainline trains. Separately, Ofcom this week moved to expose the postcode lottery of Britain's mobile coverage, rolling out a new tool aimed at highlighting patchy signals. The regulator has launched a new mobile coverage map in an effort to give consumers a more accurate picture of network quality in their area down to a level of 50 square metres. Sir Chris Bryant, the telecoms minister, previously raised concerns about discrepancies between the industry's coverage claims and the reality of users' experience. While a user's phone may show it has a signal, the quality of the connection can be impaired by interference from weather and buildings and insufficient network capacity in busy areas such as railways stations and stadiums.
