A MAJOR mobile provider is axing a key service used by thousands of customers within weeks.
O2, which is owned by Virgin Media, is set to shut down its pay-as-you-go data and iPad SIM services.
These data SIMs provided a variety of plans, enabling customers to access the internet on their tablets when they are not connected to Wi-Fi[/caption]
The decision follows recent reports by ISPreview, which revealed that O2 had already stopped selling these SIMs to new customers in August.
Now, existing users have been dealt a major blow with the announcement that the service will be completely discontinued on January 31, 2025.
Affected customers have received the following email from O2: “We’re sorry to let you know that we’re removing our Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband & iPad services from our portfolio on January 31, 2025.
“Our customer account management portal will be closing on December 17, 2024.
“You can continue to use your service until January 31, 2025, after which time your service shall cease.”
These data SIMs offered a range of plans, catering to different needs.
For example, customers could get 1GB for £3, but it had to be used within 24 hours.
Alternatively, £10 would get you 2GB for 90 days, £20 would get you 8GB for 90 days, and £30 would get you 12GB for a whole year.
These plans were particularly useful for those who needed occasional data access on their tablets.
The upcoming shutdown in January is particularly harsh to those who opted for longer-term plans, such as the £30 for 12GB option.
Rather than letting customers utilise their data until the original expiration date, O2 has imposed a strict end date, forcing users to contact customer service for a refund.
An O2 spokesperson added: “On January 31, we are removing our PAYG Mobile Broadband and iPad services, which have not been available for new customers since August.
“We have recently written to the small proportion of customers who will be impacted by this change and they can contact us directly should they require any further information or support.”
To obtain a refund for any data not used on your account, you’ll need to call O2 customer services on 0344 8090222 to provide your contact details so it can process your refund request.
Customers who wish to stay with the O2 network must now switch to pay monthly contracted data SIMs.
This requires choosing between a 30-day rolling contract, a 12-month deal, or a 24-month agreement.
The 30-day rolling contracts offer the greatest flexibility, allowing customers to cancel with just 30 days’ notice.
However, this flexibility comes at a higher cost. For instance, 1GB of data per month costs £20, while 50GB per month costs £30.
Alternatively, customers who have regular monthly data usage can opt for a 24-month contract, which offers 30GB for just £14.99 per month.
However, if you leave a contract of this length prematurely, you will incur a substantial early termination fee.
Customers could also choose to purchase a regular SIM card that includes calls, texts, and data, and use it in their tablets.
For example, O2 offers a preloaded pay-as-you-go SIM with 250GB of data for just £30.
What is pay-as-you-go (PAYG)?
PAY-As-You-Go (PAYG) is a flexible mobile payment option that allows you to pay for your mobile usage upfront, without the need for a long-term contract.
Unlike contract plans, there are no monthly bills or commitments.
You only pay for what you use, making it ideal for those who want to control their spending.
When you make a call, send a text, or use data, the cost is deducted from your credit balance.
Once your credit runs out, you simply top up again to continue using the service.
Some providers offer preloaded PAYG SIMs with a set amount of data, calls, and texts.
For example, you might get a SIM preloaded with 250GB of data for a set price.
Be aware that some PAYG top-ups or preloaded data plans may have an expiry date, meaning you need to use the credit or data within a specified period.
THE ALTERNATIVES
If you’re unwilling to commit to a pay monthly data SIM contract or wish to switch from O2, you might be able to get a cheaper deal elsewhere.
For example, Lebara, which runs off the Vodafone network, offers a preloaded 30-day unlimited data SIM for just £12.50.
Asda Mobile, which also runs off the Vodafone network offers a £5 pay-as-you-go SIM preloaded with 3GB of data.
GiffGaff, another network which runs off the O2 network, also offers a £10 pay-as-you-go SIM preloaded with 15GB of data.
To find the best offers, visit comparison websites including uswitch.com or moneysavingexpert.com/cheap-mobile-finder/sim-only/.
You can also purchase preloaded data SIMs from Amazon.co.uk.
For example, customers can get a Three SIM preloaded with 80GB of data each month until 8th August 2025, for just £39.99.
These SIMs are versatile and can be used in a variety of devices, including tablets, laptops, and smartwatches.
CUT YOUR TELECOM COSTS
SWITCHING contracts is one of the single best ways to save money on your mobile, broadband and TV bills.
But if you can’t switch mid-contract without facing a penalty, you’d be best to hold off until it’s up for renewal.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at your minutes and texts, as well as your data usage, 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 have to spend extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available.
It’s a known fact that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, allowances and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
However, if you don’t want to switch and are happy with the service you’re getting under your current provider – haggle for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you’re given after your deal.
If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time.
Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won’t have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels.
It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers.
Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider.
If your provider won’t haggle, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don’t want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
It’s also worth investigating social tariffs. These deals have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
