O2 and Vodafone mobile customers have been warned of network issues today.
The tech giants will be carrying out essential maintenance work, which may affect services until 8 pm this evening.
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The work is being carried out in Exeter in the EX4 neighborhood, which stretches across St Thomas, Redhills and Pennsylvania.
The news is expected to leave a sour taste in the mouths of O2 customers in Devon’s capital city after recent complaints over the network in the area.
The telecoms company, owned by Virgin Media O2, has previously responded to problems in the St Thomas area.
A message was sent to customers, which read: “To make our network more reliable, we’ll be starting essential works in the area.
“This may affect your services for a while. We know this isn’t ideal, but we aim to have you back online by 8pm on July 29.”
The message also included a link for users to track the progress of the work being carried out.
O2 blamed the ‘congestion’ in the region and has promised customers to improve its service.
And hopes that the latest maintenance work would bring improved 5G to the area have been squashed.
Signalchecker.co.uk reveals that Vodafone and O2 do not currently provide 5G mobile in the area.
Vodafone confirmed the work is not related to increasing 5G coverage.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Our team is undertaking essential site maintenance in this area.
“We encourage customers to sign up to Network Checker to receive status updates regarding network issues and planned work.”
5G is the fifth generation in mobile network technology and was launched across the UK in 2019 and 2020.
EE was the first company to launch commercial 5G and Vodafone followed shortly after, treating customers to the service in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool and London.
O2 rolled out its 5G service in October 2019 and covered Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Slough and Leeds.
Giffgaff, which uses O2’s infrastructure, only started offering 5G in January 2021.
How to tackle phone addiction
Mobile phone addiction is becoming a growing concern, with many people spending an excessive amount of time glued to their screens. This constant engagement with our devices is not just a harmless habit; it can lead to a range of health issues. Experts have warned that the overuse of smartphones can contribute to problems such as eye strain, poor posture, and disrupted sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by phone screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder for individuals to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Moreover, the addiction to phones can have psychological effects. The pressure to stay constantly connected and the barrage of notifications can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Social media, in particular, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as people often compare their lives to the seemingly perfect lives portrayed online. This can lead to a vicious cycle where individuals seek validation through their phones, further entrenching their addiction.
To mitigate these effects, it is important to establish healthier phone usage habits. Setting boundaries, such as designated phone-free times or areas, can help reduce screen time. Engaging in activities that do not involve screens, such as reading a book or going for a walk, can also be beneficial. By taking proactive steps to limit phone use, individuals can improve both their physical and mental well-being.
