Throughout 2023 Virgin Mobile customers will gradually migrate over to O2 mobile following the merger of the two companies in the summer of 2021. Existing customers will see little disruption following the move and get access to improved features and benefits. In this article, we explain when the move is happening, who is affected and what to do if you don't want to move over to O2.
Gareth Turpin, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2 said: “This is a major milestone moment for Virgin Media O2 as our Virgin Mobile customers start moving over to O2 plans, receiving added value and benefits on top. Our teams will guide customers through every step of the migration, and we’re laser focused on making sure this all occurs in the most hassle-free way possible. With all of our mobile brands now powered by the award-winning O2 network, we are making fantastic progress in our integration plans while continuing to deliver a range of knockout mobile services that cater for all needs.”
Why are Virgin Mobile customers being moved to O2?
In June 2021 Virgin Media and O2 merged to create the 'UK's largest telecoms challenger'. The initial migration phase was completed at the end of 2022 which saw all data, voice and text traffic transferred to the O2 network and so migrating Virgin Mobile customers is the next step in the process and will continue throughout 2023.
Who is affected by the move to O2?
All Virgin Mobile customers will be migrated to O2 and will benefit from double or unlimited data as well as unlimited texts and calls at no additional cost each month. Access to O2 priority and EU roaming will also be included in the move.
Existing Virgin Mobile customers should not notice the migration as sim cards, phone numbers and billing details will remain the same. Customers will be contacted 30 days prior to the move taking place and exact details regarding the migration will be explained.
When is the move happening?
Virgin Mobile customers will be migrated to O2 from March 2023 with the first set of customers being contacted in February. The migration will then continue throughout 2023 with all new and existing Virgin Mobile customers migrated to the new O2 plans by the end of 2023.
What benefits will I get when I migrate to O2?
Virgin Mobile customers migrated to O2 will benefit from the following:
- Double the data or unlimited data for the same price as your existing contract
- 25GB free roaming across Europe
- Visual voicemail
- O2 Priority access
What services will I lose when I migrate to O2?
Virgin Mobile customers will lose the following benefits when migrating to O2:
- Data rollover and data-free messaging
- Discounted Virgin Media home phone to Mobile call rates
- Ability to change tariff allowances
- Virgin Media free WiFi hotspots
What to do if you don't want to move to O2
If you don't want to migrate to O2 you have a right to cancel your plan and you will not be charged any cancellation fees for doing so. However, if you have a handset loan with Virgin Mobile it will remain with Virgin Media Mobile Finance Ltd and you will not be able to cancel the handset loan.
If you are considering switching network providers you can compare offers with other providers using a comparison site such as Uswitch. For tips on switching network providers and finding the best deal, you may find the following articles useful:
- How to switch mobile network providers with a text message
- How to save money on your mobile phone bill
- How to guarantee the best mobile, broadband, landline and pay TV package
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