Filip Šovagović is a prominent Croatian actor, director, comedian, playwright, and journalist. Filip has made a significant mark in the…
У чотирьох знаків зодіаку починається чорна смуга: кого чекають труднощі
5 випадків, коли пиво дуже корисне для здоров’я
Чим відмити кухню до блиску: суміш з трьох простих інгредієнтів
Названо чотири знаки зодіаку, які незабаром знайдуть справжнє щастя
Три знаки зодіаку, які піднімуться кар’єрними сходами вже в січні 2025 року
Who Is She (2024) Episode 9
‘Wicked’s Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are the latest victims of the fashion police for the same ol’ story
Brits warned they could be left with no mobile data access as major network provider prepares to close service
MILLIONS of Brits have been warned to check their mobile device as they could lose access to data very soon.
The change is coming to O2, but it will affect other operators that use the network too, including Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile.
O2 is the last big network to close 3G[/caption] Older phones like the iPhone 4S are among the models affected[/caption]O2 is starting to switch off its 3G network this year in favour of faster 4G and 5G services.
Rivals Three, Vodafone and EE have already shutdown their 3G tech.
For most people with a modern smartphone from the last few years it won’t make any difference.
But if you happen to own an older phone that’s not 4G or 5G capable it means you will no longer be able to access data even though you’re paying for it.
It will still be possible to access the internet via Wi-Fi.
Calls and texts will still be possible as 2G is staying put.
One in twenty mobile customers are unaware if their phone is 4G or 5G ready, according to a USwitch poll of 2,000 O2, Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff and Sky Mobile users.
“The 3G switch-off, which began last year, is a crucial step to free up capacity for expanding 4G and 5G networks, offering significantly faster and more reliable connectivity than 3G,” explains Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com.
“While the majority of customers do have a 4G or 5G compatible phone, there will still be a proportion of customers with older devices who will need to upgrade this year.
“If you do need to upgrade, there are plenty of affordable options out there, and it may be worth looking into a refurbished device if you’re not looking for the latest launches and don’t want a costly upgrade.”
A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson told The Sun: “The switch off of the 3G network – agreed by industry and the government in 2021 and already completed by other network operators – will allow us to reallocate mobile spectrum to more efficient 4G and 5G services and improve customers’ experience with faster speeds, more reliable streaming and higher quality voice calls.
“The vast majority of customers already have a 4G or 5G device and will not be impacted or need to take any action as a result of the 3G switch off.
“Nonetheless, our priority will be to provide support to those who will be impacted to ensure they stay connected, and we’ll contact these customers directly.”
How to tell if your phone is affected
New phones you buy today are at the very least capable of using 4G, but the vast majority are 5G ready too.
If you’re unsure whether you’re affected by the move, there is a trick to check.
Go into your phone’s settings and search for Network Mode or Preferred Network.
If you see 4G or 5G listed then you are in the clear.
In 2023, EE revealed to The Sun some of the affected devices that were still in use – though this list isn’t definitive.
- Doro 6520, Doro 6521, Doro 6620
- Apple iPhone 4S
- TCL 1C
- Nokia 301
- Apple iPhone 4
- Nokia C2-01
- HMD 3310
- Samsung Galaxy Ace
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
- TCL Pixi 4
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 look out for support communications from O2 – and speak to them if you’re unsure.
EastEnders star issues bleak update on health after ‘serious wake up call’ as they battle genetic condition
AN EastEnders star has issued a bleak update on his health after revealing he has a genetic condition.
Fans have flooded Ben Champniss with support as he addressed his health on social media.
Soap star Ben shared a new selfie as he spoke to fans about his health[/caption]The soap star has played the role of market trader Shrimpy in EastEnders since 2014.
While his character is usually found in the background of scenes, Ben is widely adored by the BBC soap’s fanbase.
Off screen though, Ben, 40, has been dealing with health problems after being diagnosed with a genetic condition.
He told worried fans: “After turning 40 back in September, I decided to ask my doctor for the free NHS health check. Anyone 40+ is entitled to this.
“My blood results came back and suggested I have Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. A genetic condition that causes extremely high cholesterol levels.
“There are no symptoms for this. The risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack is extremely high with this.
“For me, statins have been prescribed for my 8.6 cholesterol level due to my Familial Hypercholesterolaemia diagnosis.
“This has been a serious wake up call for me. Even though this is a genetic issue, I’ve decided to completely rethink my lifestyle. Drink less and move more!”
EastEnders fans flooded Ben with support, with one writing: “Well said Ben…& this is a great time of year to make a change. Good health & best wishes.”
A second wrote: “Welcome to the magic number 40! Every downside to health starts when we reach this number! And they say age is just a number! Stay healthy!”
“Well done, not everyone is aware of illness running through families,” said a third.
While a fourth commented: “You didn’t have to share, but I’m glad you did. Thank you….it will make many others aware….”
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Coming up this year…
Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.