Latest news with #mobiledata
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Major network provider warns 23 million customers of huge service closure that will leave some with NO data
ONE of the UK's biggest networks has warned customers that the closure of a key service will take place in several areas soon. The move means some customers risk being left with no data at all to access the internet or message friends on WhatsApp when they're out and about. 2 O2 alerted its 23 million customers of the changes earlier this year. But now plans to switch off 3G are picking up pace, with three more locations set to wave goodbye to the old network in less than two weeks. O2 is the last of the big networks to make the change, as part of an objective agreed with the Government in 2021. After more than 20 years, the company is stripping out 3G to make way for more faster 4G and 5G services. The shake-up will also impact Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile, which rely on O2's network technology. For most people, the demise of 3G shouldn't be a problem but for a small number of users it will result in a data blackout. Some older handsets aren't able to handle 4G or 5G. They'll still be able to make calls and send texts, but without 3G they won't be able to get online when out and about - though they can technically still go online when using Wi-Fi. The next areas where O2's 3G will be switched off on July 16 are: Norwich Telford Guildford It's already ended in the city of Durham. After this latest batch, Torquay will follow on August 4. "While we know that the vast majority of our customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not have to take any action, our priority is to provide support to those who need it," said Jeanie York, Virgin Media O2's Chief Technology Officer, said "That is why we are reaching out directly to customers who do not have a 4G or 5G handset, and calling those we know are vulnerable, to provide information about their next steps. "It is important these customers upgrade their handsets in order to continue using mobile data after 3G is switched off." Is the 3G switch off that big of a deal? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun It's unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the 3G switch off. There wasn't much noise after Three, EE and Vodafone ended 3G. So, there will undoubtedly be some still using 3G-only phones but the numbers are probably very small. Just because it may be a small figure doesn't mean those people should be cast aside, especially if they're not very tech-savvy or vulnerable. So definitely get in contact with O2 (or GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile) if you need support.
Phone Arena
a day ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
This budget wireless carrier is making big moves without raising prices
Ultra Mobile, a low-cost prepaid brand that uses T-Mobile's network, is updating its plans with more data and international features while keeping the same prices from over a decade ago. The carrier has often focused on offering affordable service for users who want flexibility and international calling options. Now, Ultra Mobile is giving both new and existing customers more for the same price. For instance, the $15 per month plan now includes 500MB of data instead of 250MB. The $19 plan goes from 3GB to 4GB. Higher-tier plans are also getting more data, such as the $39 plan increasing from 15GB to 24GB, and the top-tier $59 Ultra Unlimited+ plan still has no data caps but now offers 25GB of hotspot data and more international credit. Ultra Mobile's old versus new plans. | Image credit — Ultra Mobile All plans continue to include unlimited talk and text within the U.S., along with features like Wi-Fi calling, mobile hotspot access, and international coverage. These changes are being rolled out automatically, with no action needed from customers. In addition to data upgrades, Ultra Mobile is offering deeper discounts for users who choose multi-month options. Customers who pay for 12 months up front can save up to 30 percent, which could mean as much as 216 dollars per year in savings. Three-month and six-month options are also available, offering 10 percent and 20 percent discounts respectively. The company is also rolling out a new logo. The updated look swaps out the old SIM card icon for a globe, reflecting its focus on international connectivity and the rise of eSIM use. While the branding is changing, the company says it will continue offering straightforward, contract-free service. Ultra Mobile's approach contrasts with many carriers that limit the best deals to new customers or add requirements for discounts. According to Scott Venuti, Commercial Owner at Ultra Mobile, the goal is to give all customers more benefits without raising costs. Whether this move will attract more users remains to be seen, but for now, it gives Ultra Mobile an edge in the budget segment. With no price increases, more data, and expanded international support, these updates could appeal to anyone looking to save money without giving up essential features. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Major mobile network with 18million customers unleashes huge free data boost for their cheapest plans
A MAJOR mobile network operator is unleashing a huge boost in data allowance to 18 million of its customers for free. It comes on their basics plan, which is the cheapest entry-level package offered by the network. 1 New Vodafone customers will be able to access this extra data through their 4G SIM Only Basics plan. Details of the plan It will provide 21GB of data for just £7 a month, as well as unlimited minutes on UK calls and texts on a 12-month term. Customers can otherwise choose to get 80GB for £8, which is up from 50GB, 90GB for £10. They can also get 100GB for £12 a month, which is up from 70GB. The price will increase monthly by £1 from April next year. Claim the Vodafone deal Vodafone does make it difficult to find the Basics plan on their website. They also do not display it on their SIM Only deals page. The plan is designed to be very simplistic and don't include any support for 5G services, only 4G. As stated on their website: "Vodafone Basics are our simple, everyday plans. "Vodafone Basics plans are capped so you never need to worry about going over your allowances. "This means, picture messages, International calls and Premium calls starting 09 are not available." Other features like international calls and texts, upgrades, OneNumber connectivity are not included in the plan, which has a maximum download speed 100 Mbps. Vodafone also occasionally introduces changes to their mobile plans, and yet to state how long the new offers will run. GOOD CALL David Dickinson reveals how Brits can save money on their smartphone How to save on your mobile phone bill BY Jamie Harris, Senior Technology and Science Reporter NOT happy with your current mobile phone deal? If you're outside the minimum term of your contract then you won't need to pay a cancellation fee - and you might be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere. But don't just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you're currently paying. Take a look at how many minutes and texts, as well as how much data you're using, 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 end up spending extra on bundles or add-ons each month. Also note that if you're still in your contract period, you might be charged an exit fee. Ready to look elsewhere? Pay-as-you-go deals are better for people who don't regularly use their phone, while monthly contracts usually work out cheaper for those who do. It's worth using comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and to compare tariffs and phone prices. Billmonitor also matches buyers to the best pay-monthly deal based on their previous three months of bills. It only works if you're a customer of EE, O2, Three, Vodafone or Tesco Mobile and you'll need to log in with your online account details. There's also MobilePhoneChecker, which has a bill monitoring feature that recommends a tariff based on your monthly usage. If you're happy with your provider then it might be worth using your research to haggle a better deal.
Globe and Mail
24-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
SBAC Stock Rises 9.3% in Three Months: Will the Trend Last?
Shares of SBA Communications SBAC have rallied 9.3% in the past three months, outperforming the industry 's upside of 0.3%. SBAC's extensive and geographically diverse wireless communication infrastructure portfolio is well-positioned to gain from wireless carriers' high capital spending for network expansion amid growth in mobile data usage and accelerated 5G network deployment efforts. The long-term leases with its tenants assure stable revenues. Also, portfolio expansion moves, domestically and internationally, to capitalize on the secular trends of the industry are encouraging. Analysts seem positive about this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2025 FFO per share has been revised marginally northward to $12.72 over the past two months. Factors Behind SBAC Stock Price Rise: Will This Trend Last? The advancement in mobile technology, such as 4G and 5G networks, and the proliferation of bandwidth-intensive applications have propelled growth in mobile data usage globally. Wireless service providers continue to lease additional antenna space on the company's towers amid the increase in network use, data transfer, network expansion and network coverage requirements. As such, SBA Communications' portfolio of extensive infrastructure assets is well-poised to capitalize on this upbeat trend. SBA Communications has a resilient and stable site-leasing business model. The company generates most of its revenues from long-term (typically five to 10 years) tower leases that have built-in rent escalators. With high operating margins, its tower-leasing business remains attractive. The company also offers wireless service providers assistance in developing and maintaining their networks. Given the vast array of services the company offers due to its extensive site development experience, it is likely to propel its growth over the long term. As the company continues to expand its tower portfolio and seek new growth opportunities, it focuses on business expansion into domestic and select international markets with high-growth characteristics. As of April 28, 2025, along with around Millicom's 6,700 sites under contract for $925 million in cash, SBA Communications is under contract to buy 18 communication sites for a total consideration of $10 million in cash, which is expected to close by the end of the third quarter. Such portfolio expansion efforts will position SBA Communications to leverage secular trends in mobile data usage and wireless spending growth worldwide. SBA Communications' dividend hikes and share buybacks demonstrate its commitment to driving shareholder value and superior capital-distribution ability. The company has increased its dividend five times in the last five years, and its five-year annualized dividend growth rate is 19.97%. Given SBA Communications' solid operating platform, decent financial position and lower-than-industry dividend payout rate, the dividend distribution is expected to be sustainable over the long run. Also, following the first quarter of 2025, SBA Communications repurchased 583,000 shares of its Class A common stock for an aggregate amount of $122.9 million under its $1 billion stock repurchase plan. Such efforts boost shareholders' confidence in the stock. Key Risks for SBAC High customer concentration and the ongoing consolidation in the wireless industry are concerns for SBA Communications' top-line growth. Elevated interest rates add to the company's woes. Stocks to Consider Some better-ranked stocks from the REIT sector are VICI Properties VICI and W.P. Carey WPC,each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VICI Properties' 2025 FFO per share is pegged at $2.35, up 3.98% year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for W.P. Carey's2025 FFO per share stands at $4.88, up 3.83% year over year. Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO) — a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> SBA Communications Corporation (SBAC): Free Stock Analysis Report W.P. Carey Inc. (WPC): Free Stock Analysis Report VICI Properties Inc. (VICI): Free Stock Analysis Report
Android Authority
20-06-2025
- Android Authority
Do you use mobile data while connected to Wi-Fi? It's complicated.
Robert Triggs / Android Authority When it comes to smartphones, the common sentiment is that your Wi-Fi network will always take precedence over your mobile connection. In other words, those with data caps generally don't have to worry about mobile data being consumed during lengthy Wi-Fi sessions. But is this always true? Generally, yes, but the situation is slightly more complicated than you might think. There are indeed a few reasons your phone could end up using mobile data even when connected to Wi-Fi. Were you aware your phone can switch to mobile data while on Wi-Fi? 0 votes Yes, but it's never caused me any issues. NaN % No, I had no idea. NaN % It's likely not a bug, but a feature Recently, I noticed my free Helium line was using data faster than expected, considering I rarely used it and consistently had my Wi-Fi turned on. Upon investigation, I realized my mistake was twofold. First, I'd accidentally set Helium as my primary mobile data line instead of my Verizon account. This explained part of the issue, but not the sudden spike in mobile data usage when connected to my home network. Fortunately, I stumbled upon a well-timed Reddit thread from user Unlucky_Ad_4873. The thread was unrelated to my exact issue, involving a Pixel 7 using excessive data despite a Wi-Fi connection. A Mint Mobile representative incorrectly claimed this happens unless mobile data is explicitly turned off. Interestingly, a US Mobile rep previously made a similar mistaken claim about an iPhone, suggesting this misconception is somewhat widespread. Features like 5G priority or Wi-Fi Assist may result in mobile data usage even if you are technically connected to Wi-Fi. From personal experience (and corroborated by numerous responses), your phone typically won't use mobile data simply because it's turned on. Usually, your device prioritizes Wi-Fi connections. However, exceptions exist — and they're usually intentional. The original thread I stumbled upon eventually revealed a helpful tip: check your Wi-Fi Assist settings. Many modern phones automatically switch to mobile data if they detect your Wi-Fi connection is slow or unstable. This feature has various names, such as Intelligent Wi-Fi on my Galaxy S24. When I checked this setting, it turned out to be precisely the cause of my data spike. Further digging revealed intermittent issues with my Spectrum Wi-Fi network at the same time as the increased data usage. Consequently, my Helium line rapidly consumed all its available data. My problem was fairly straightforward, but, in addition to a Wi-Fi Assist/Intelligent WiFi feature, the iPhone and select Android devices also have a few other data settings that could cause similar issues. For example, the iPhone lets you give preference to 5G data over other connections, including Wi-Fi. How to turn off Wi-Fi Assist, Intelligence, and other similar features Typically, these features are beneficial, especially since most US consumers have unlimited data plans. However, some plans have usage caps leading to reduced performance after reaching limits, and budget plans often have strict data limits. In these scenarios, disabling such features can be wise. Settings vary slightly depending on your device, but here are key adjustments you might want to consider: iPhone users will want to turn off Wi-Fi Assist and ensure 5G isn't prioritized Wi-Fi Assist is on by default, but to turn it off, simply: Go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data Next, scroll until you find Wi-Fi Assist and tap the slider to disable it. To turn off the 5G prioritization feature on your iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular , then tap Cellular Data . , then tap . Next, go to Data Mode and then Allow More Data on 5G. Turn the slider off. Pixel users: Turn off automatic Wi-Fi switching The Pixel doesn't give an official name to this feature, but it will automatically switch to Wi-Fi, usually by default. To change this: Go to Wifi > WiFi Preferences > Advanced . . Next, scroll until you see Switch to Mobile data automatically and hit the slider. Galaxy users: Turn off Intelligent Wi-Fi and consider adjusting a few other settings For the Galaxy S25, you perform a fairly similar process: Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Next, go to the three-dot menu and select Intelligent Wi-Fi. Here, you'll want to turn off Switch to Mobile data. While in the Intelligent Wi-Fi menu, you'll also note a few other settings like Turn Wi-Fi on/off automatically than you might want to consider disabling as well.
