MILLIONS of Virgin Mobile customers will soon be part of O2 – here’s all you need to know.
The comes over a year after Virgin Media and O2 became one in a £31billion merger.
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The deal brought together O2’s 34 million customers on its mobile network with Virgin’s 5.3 million broadband, pay-TV and mobile users.
And from March, Virgin Mobile customers will be migrated over to O2 as the telecoms giant in a shift that will mean millions can benefit from “extra value from their services”.
This includes things like unlimited texts, voice calls and O2’s roaming perk – as the last of the big four to offer free roaming when traveling in EU countries.
However, Virgin Mobile customers will lose their rollover benefits.
We break down everything you need to know below.
Customers will be moving in March
Virgin Media O2 said it will start telling people from February when they’re going to transfer over.
Customers will be moved over in groups, so the first group will be notified first, before moving across in March and so on.
The move will continue throughout the year and all customers should be transferred by the end of 2023.
Customers moving over can keep schtum
Customers moving over do not need to do anything unless you want to change plans (see below).
Those moving over will be sent either a letter or email at least 30 days before the move date, outlining how it’ll work and what their new plan will be.
You’ll be moved over to a flexible 30 day rolling plan first before being given the option to take on a new O2 contract.
But don’t worry, if you’re currently mid-contract with Virgin Mobile, you won’t have to start an O2 contract from scratch – so you’ll continue on where you left off.
Virgin Media O2 expects the transfer to occur seamlessly with no disruption to services, but of course make note of when you’ll transfer over just in case.
No customer will see the price of their plan increase
Virgin Media O2 told us that there will not be any number of customers who see their plans reduced.
All customers will either continue on the same plan or have their allowance increased.
For example, Virgin said that customers who currently do not have unlimited data will get it at no extra cost – this comes as part of the transition.
Both Virgin Mobile and O2 offer Volt benefits so customers moving over won’t be missing out.
Those transferring will be able to access O2 Priority once they’ve moved over.
O2 Priority provides freebies like drinks from Greggs and cinema tickets for Odeon.
You’ll lose your data rollover benefits
Virgin Mobile customers currently get data rollover and some data free messaging apps.
Once you’ve moved across to O2, you’ll no longer be able to access these benefits.
However, you’ll be able to get access to O2 Priority and double the data (unless you already have unlimited data).
If you don’t like your new plan, tell Virgin as soon as possible
If you aren’t a fan of your new plan then you’re more than welcome to switch to a different one.
Just make sure you contact Virgin 30 days before your move date to ensure as smooth a transfer as possible.
If you’re unsure though, then you’ll be moved onto a 30 day rolling contract anyway, so you can always change it later.
Of course, do shop around for the best deal – these can be found on comparison websites such as MoneySupermarket and Uswitch.
You could also check on Smartphonechecker which lists all phone deals currently available.
Or, it’s always worth phoning your current provider and haggling down your current price – they may entice you to stay with a cheaper deal.
If you’re close to paying off your contract then you may want to consider switching providers if there’s a cheaper alternative that suits your needs.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]