THOUSANDS of mobile customers are set to benefit from a free network boost – just hours after a major service was switched off.
O2 (Virgin Media) revealed it has upgraded its 4G and 5G coverage across more than 2,000 postcodes in Coventry, West Midlands.
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The improvements are part of the company’s £700million Mobile Transformation Plan, aimed at future-proofing the network and keeping pace with soaring demand.
O2 says the upgrades will give users better connectivity and faster mobile data at no extra cost.
Free boost
A spokesperson said the plan ensures the network is “fit for the future and can keep up with increasing customer demand.”
The free upgrade comes as mobile providers, including O2, continue to phase out older 3G services across the UK.
The switch-off is making way for more advanced and efficient 4G and 5G services.
Mobile usage has skyrocketed in recent years, with data traffic more than doubling over the past five years – making upgrades like this increasingly essential.
And O2 isn’t the only one dishing out freebies.
Earlier this year, EE handed thousands of customers a free 5G upgrade, even for those on older 4G plans.
Vodafone also rolled out free speed boosts to eligible users, increasing data allowances and offering better access to 5G where available.
Meanwhile, Three UK recently gave select customers free roaming perks across Europe and upgraded network speeds in several major cities – all without charging a penny more.
These giveaways come as mobile giants try to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market – and soften the blow of 3G shutdowns and rising bills for millions.
So if you’re with one of the big networks, it’s worth checking if a free upgrade is already waiting for you.
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.
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