Mobile network O2 has announced the axing of its pay-as-you-go data-only SIM services, which will take effect on January 31. These SIMs enabled users to purchase internet data for use within a specific timeframe, with options ranging from £3 for 1GB of data lasting 24 hours to £30 for 12GB lasting a year.
With the impending closure of this service, customers are advised to use any remaining data before the cut-off date. Or to call O2’s customer service at 0344 8090222 to request a refund.
Customers wishing to remain with O2 will be have the option to move to a pay-monthly data SIM, available on 30-day, 12-month, or 24-month contracts. This move comes after O2 stopped sales of PAYG data SIMs to new customers in August, as reported by ISPreview.
Affected customers have been notified via an email, which reads: “We’re sorry to let you know that we’re removing our Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband and 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.”
An O2 spokesperson commented: “On 31 January 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. O2 customers can continue to benefit from a wide range of great-value PAYM SIMs across iPad, tablets and mobile broadband.”
This news follows Virgin Media O2’s announcement that it has widened its National Databank initiative. The scheme provides individuals facing financial hardship a free O2 SIM card loaded with 25GB of data per month for a year, in addition to unlimited texts and calls.
O2 says that this move will assist people in accessing vital online resources and handling daily activities, such as scheduling healthcare appointments, job applications, and engaging in digital learning. It’s important to note that you don’t need to be an existing O2 customer to benefit from the National Databank; it’s open to anyone struggling financially. After receiving your SIM, you’ll receive monthly top-up texts with a code to top-up your SIM’s data allowance.