O2 mobiles, tariffs and sim only

About O2

O2 UK Limited are a leading network provider for consumers and businesses, their unique product range provides choice, affordability and rewards loyalty. O2's mobile customer base is in excess of 21 Million (Sept 09) and their network strength is supported by 99% UK coverage.

In recent years O2 UK have improved their position in the market with agreements such as the exclusive distribution rights to Apple's iPhone, the Dell Streak, Palm Pre and by trialling successful 4G network tests.

O2 have picked up many awards and accolades including "Best Technology Service Provider" "Number 1 Pre-Pay Service Provider" and "Best Network".

History

In 1985 BT and Securicor launched Cellnet as a joint venture, 14 years later Securicor sold its remaining shares to BT, the operation was then renamed BT Cellnet, that same year BT Cellnet were the first to make a GPRS network phone call.

The company demerged from BT in 2001 to become O2 UK, part of O2 Plc, a year later launching the first 3G network on the Isle of Man and the first 3.5G network in 2005.

A company restructure followed in 2005 where O2 plc were acquired by O2 Plc who retained and renamed their London Stock Exchange listing.

O2 Plc were later acquired by Spanish company Telefonica in October 2005 for a reported £17.7 billion with O2 retaining its name, management team and its UK location.

O2 UK became wholly-owned by Telefonica S.A in January 2006 and is now positioned within the Telefonica O2 Europe group, (Telefonica O2 UK Limited) this includes both fixed and mobile businesses operating in the UK, Ireland, Czech Republic, Germany and Slovakia, all trading under the O2 brand.

Telefonica Europe also owns 50% of the Tesco Mobile joint venture.

Facts

• O2 were the first mobile phone company to be certified with Carbon Trust Standard highlighting its efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
• O2 have over 490 stores, employing over 13,000 with a turnover of £6.270 Billion (2009)
• O2 transformed and rebranded the Millennium Dome into what is now known as the O2 Arena, now a fantastic entertainment venue.
• O2 were the first mobile network to sell Apple's iPhone in the UK (2007), an exclusive agreement that lasted until late 2009.

Awards

• May 2010 - Voted "Best Technology Service Provider in Which? awards.
• Dec 2009 - Voted number 1 Pre-Pay Mobile Phone Service Provider by J.D Power
• Jun 2009 - Best Network at the Mobile Awards 2009
• Oct 2008 - 3 Awards from the Mobile Choice Awards, "Network of the year", "High Street Retailer" and "Readers Dream Device"
• Jun 2008 - Voted "Best Network" at the Mobile Industry Awards
• Feb 2008 - Ranked 6th in the "Best Companies Work for" list
• May 2007 - Voted most trusted UK Mobile network by Readers Digest
• May 2007 - News O2 service wins an "Award of excellence" at the Communicators in Business Awards

Tariffs & Plans

O2 offer 18 and 24 month pay monthly tariffs starting from £10.00 per month including unlimited text messages plus bolt on options such as free same network calls, unlimited landline calls and mobile internet data for your phone.

O2 also offer some flexible options via their Simplicity Sim cards. These include "Pay & go" from £5 per month, ideal if you would like to keep your handset and number and not commit to a contract. Other options include their 30 days, which is a roll contract without ties and 12 month phone plans. As an O2 customer you can also benefit from O2 Arena Priority tickets and other services such as free back up, o2 Money and O2 Rewards.

Service Coverage UK

O2 UK's overall network covers 99% of the UK whilst 84% is covered by 3G and HSDPA, providing speeds of up to 3.6Mbps for suitable devices such as the Apple iPhone 4, 3GS and 3G.

O2 has invested over £500 million into its 3G network since 2007. On top of that O2 have also announced successful trials of 4G that could in the future achieve speeds of upto 1Gbps offering unseen before performance speeds.

O2 also provides consumers over 7500 Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the United Kingdom partnered with The Cloud and BT Openzone.

O2 are continuing to upgrade their network in 2010 with a £500 million investment and a further 1500 cell sites.

O2 customer support

O2 UK's mobile products also come with a range of services, tools and benefits to benefit their customers.

Features include free texts, O2 webmail, O2 money, O2 rewards, free back up and exclusive priority for O2 Arena events. Online account management is easily accessible with a comprehensive support forum, guides and FAQs.

O2 also provide clear details for contacting them (also below) directly with opening hours and short dial codes, they also have a presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Contact details

O2 address to contact head office:

Telefonica O2 UK Limited
260 Bath Road,
Slough,
Berkshire,
SL1 4DX,
United Kingdom

Pay Monthly Customer Services Telephone

From your O2 mobile DIAL 202 (Free)
From a landline DIAL 0844 809 0202 (5p/min)
Opening hours Monday
Friday 08:00 - 21:00
Saturday 08:00 - 20:00
Sunday 08:00 - 18:00

Pay As You Go Customer Services Telephone

From your O2 mobile DIAL 202 (Free)
From a landline DIAL 0844 809 0202 (5p/min)
Opening hours Monday
Friday 08:00 - 21:00
Saturday 08:00 - 20:00
Sunday 08:00 - 18:00