Sainsburys Mobile closing down.

d123 · 13-10-2015, 20:31

Just seen it being reported elsewhere that Sainsburys Mobile is closing on the 15th January 2016.

Another Ovivo style "issue" it seems with Vodafone failing to agree new terms with them.

clewsy · 13-10-2015, 21:41

Well if true that maybe proves that story true a while back about Vodafone and sainsburys.

Sad news for competition in the market.

japaul · 13-10-2015, 22:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Another Ovivo style "issue" it seems with Vodafone failing to agree new terms with them.

Ovivo was in dispute with the MVNA though wasn't it? Presumably the aggregator pulled the plug because they were owed money by Ovivo.

I'm not sure Sainsbury's have that kind of relationship as they are 50% owned by Vodafone.

moox · 13-10-2015, 22:48

Their website doesn't talk about plans anymore, just what SIM free phones they sell.

It's a shame as they are basically Vodafone but without the same rip-off PAYG rates as Vodafone.

I'm guessing they'll be handing out PACs but what about any credit? I assume they can't take that away

clewsy · 13-10-2015, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by japaul

I'm not sure Sainsbury's have that kind of relationship as they are 50% owned by Vodafone.

I was thinking this, as wasn't this like their take on the o2/Tesco deal? I guess it all depends on the customer numbers, Tesco cracked the market years ago and have built up a fairly substantial customer base. I suspect one of the largest MVNO's?

jchamier · 13-10-2015, 22:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

I suspect one of the largest MVNO's?

Virgin Mobile/Media was the largest MVNO; and the first in the world I think - hosted by T-mobile, now EE. - VM doesn't offer 4G, so wonder if that is costing them customers.

Tesco was second in subscriber numbers, and do now offer 4G. A much better offering than the incredibly slow GiffGaff.

clewsy · 13-10-2015, 22:53

Interesting as would have thought Tesco would be larger than Virgin. However there are only a few MVNOs with 4g access and lest be honest, one is going to own a network soon and the other 2 are owned / part owned by o2.

Doesn't bode well for long term competition.

jchamier · 13-10-2015, 23:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

Interesting as would have thought Tesco would be larger than Virgin. However there are only a few MVNOs with 4g access and lest be honest, one is going to own a network soon and the other 2 are owned / part owned by o2.

Doesn't bode well for long term competition.

Wikipedia says Virgin Mobile had 4.1million subscribers in 2007 when Branson sold to NTL:Telewest (giving them the ability to rename the group Virgin Media) - and it was founded in 1999. The VM press release in 2013 says 61% of their 3 million mobile customers have smartphones. http://investors.virginmedia.com/pho...cle&ID=1872882

Tesco Mobile has 4 million customers apparently in 2015.

So Tesco overtook Virgin Mobile and Virgin Media seems to have lost mobile customers. Most of my friends with Virgin cable TV and internet have EE or Three mobile phones. The VM phone service is not impressive.

Everything Goes · 13-10-2015, 23:00

They had ambitions to move into contracts as well. This is the only source I can find at the moment:

http://www.bitterwallet.com/mobile-b...ary-2016/88389

moox · 13-10-2015, 23:02

It probably doesn't help that Virgin Media mobile seems to be more of a vehicle for their cable products. It's the BT Sport of mobile companies - you can buy it on its own but we'd really rather you bought another service from us too.

VM landline phone service is probably an afterthought these days - the equipment dates from the early days of cable TV and its operations are all outsourced to BT Wholesale. Doesn't stop them charging £17 a month for it, or almost make it mandatory through ensuring the broadband only price is not much lower than BB+phone

clewsy · 13-10-2015, 23:14

4m customers on a MVNO isn't bad at all when you think about it. I suspect Tesco have the threat like most networks do of BT coming into the market, however if the market remains as it is (3/o2 merger blocked) then you could see Tesco making in roads into 3 ..as o2 will have a decent 4g network where 3 have very little to offer on this front.

I wonder what the Sainsburys mobit sub's base was? I can't see those figures on Google.

japaul · 13-10-2015, 23:20

Some accurate numbers

At the end of 2014:

Virgin Mobile 3.05 million
Tesco 4.42 million

clewsy · 13-10-2015, 23:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by japaul

Some accurate numbers

At the end of 2014:

Virgin Mobile 3.05 million
Tesco 4.42 million

Fair play to Tesco. That is an impressive MVNO.

japaul · 13-10-2015, 23:27

Yes and Tesco's numbers grew by 400k in 2014 (Virgin was down 7k).

Also 2.06m of Tesco's total are contract.

BKM · 13-10-2015, 23:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by japaul

Yes and Tesco's numbers grew by 400k in 2014 (Virgin was down 7k).

Also 2.06m of Tesco's total are contract.

Tesco Mobile was under scrutiny by the new CEO and was, at one time, rumoured to be under threat of closure itself. Is it now on a solid long-term footing?

Zee_Bukhari · 14-10-2015, 00:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

4m customers on a MVNO isn't bad at all when you think about it. I suspect Tesco have the threat like most networks do of BT coming into the market, however if the market remains as it is (3/o2 merger blocked) then you could see Tesco making in roads into 3 ..as o2 will have a decent 4g network where 3 have very little to offer on this front.

I wonder what the Sainsburys mobit sub's base was? I can't see those figures on Google.

I don't think Tesco is a threat to Three in any way.

clewsy · 14-10-2015, 06:54

Why? With growth like that and better coverage going forward they really could make inroads. I suspect if this story is true they will try and attract the Sainsburys mobile customers.

Stig · 14-10-2015, 07:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

Fair play to Tesco. That is an impressive MVNO.

Yes, but it uses the O2 network, with isn't great last time I heard.

clewsy · 14-10-2015, 07:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig

Yes, but it uses the O2 network, with isn't great last time I heard.

That statement gets less and less correct with the expansion of cornerstone. In the areas that they have upgraded, cornerstone has a really dense and wide range of coverage.

alanwarwic · 14-10-2015, 08:29

Maybe it will simply merge into Vodafone, thoughif BitterWallet is the appointed news messenger that is more unlikely.

If it was a 50/50 investment partnership then Voda are equally responsible for any messy closure.

d123 · 14-10-2015, 12:53

The closure is now officially confirmed on their website.

http://www.phoneshopbysainsburys.co.uk/mbs

Quote:

Important news for our Mobile by Sainsbury's customers

We’re sorry to let you know that from 15th January 2016, the Mobile by Sainsbury’s phone service will no longer be available.

We’ve loved having you as a customer, and we know that changing your service provider can be a hassle. So, we want to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Firstly, we’re telling you now so that you have plenty of time to decide what to do.
If you are a Pay As You Go customer, you are still able to top up until 14th November, in store and online. You can continue to use any remaining credit until 15th January 2016.
If you are a Pay Monthly SIM Only customer, your service will continue to work as normal until 15th January 2016.

IceNume · 14-10-2015, 12:54

Any similar Vodafone MVNOs?

8p per minute
4p per text

moox · 14-10-2015, 12:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

The closure is now officially confirmed on their website.

http://help.sainsburys.co.uk/help/mo...important-news

Seems a bit half-assed that there isn't even an official method of moving to proper Vodafone PAYG including retaining credit.

d123 · 14-10-2015, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

Seems a bit half-assed that there isn't even an official method of moving to proper Vodafone PAYG including retaining credit.

Seems to have been acrimonious, so no cooperation between the "divorcing" couple.

LION8TIGER · 14-10-2015, 13:06

Got the text 10 minutes ago to say it won't be available from 15th January. Thats Ovivo, Sainsburys ....... where next ? I have a 3 sim so probably there.

13-10-2015, 20:31	#1
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Sainsburys Mobile closing down. Just seen it being reported elsewhere that Sainsburys Mobile is closing on the 15th January 2016. Another Ovivo style "issue" it seems with Vodafone failing to agree new terms with them.

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13-10-2015, 21:41	#2
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Well if true that maybe proves that story true a while back about Vodafone and sainsburys. Sad news for competition in the market.

13-10-2015, 22:31	#3
japaul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,662	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Another Ovivo style "issue" it seems with Vodafone failing to agree new terms with them. Ovivo was in dispute with the MVNA though wasn't it? Presumably the aggregator pulled the plug because they were owed money by Ovivo. I'm not sure Sainsbury's have that kind of relationship as they are 50% owned by Vodafone.

13-10-2015, 22:48	#4
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Their website doesn't talk about plans anymore, just what SIM free phones they sell. It's a shame as they are basically Vodafone but without the same rip-off PAYG rates as Vodafone. I'm guessing they'll be handing out PACs but what about any credit? I assume they can't take that away

13-10-2015, 22:48	#5
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Quote: Originally Posted by japaul I'm not sure Sainsbury's have that kind of relationship as they are 50% owned by Vodafone. I was thinking this, as wasn't this like their take on the o2/Tesco deal? I guess it all depends on the customer numbers, Tesco cracked the market years ago and have built up a fairly substantial customer base. I suspect one of the largest MVNO's?

13-10-2015, 22:50	#6
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy I suspect one of the largest MVNO's? Virgin Mobile/Media was the largest MVNO; and the first in the world I think - hosted by T-mobile, now EE. - VM doesn't offer 4G, so wonder if that is costing them customers. Tesco was second in subscriber numbers, and do now offer 4G. A much better offering than the incredibly slow GiffGaff.

13-10-2015, 22:53	#7
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Interesting as would have thought Tesco would be larger than Virgin. However there are only a few MVNOs with 4g access and lest be honest, one is going to own a network soon and the other 2 are owned / part owned by o2. Doesn't bode well for long term competition.

13-10-2015, 23:00	#8
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy Interesting as would have thought Tesco would be larger than Virgin. However there are only a few MVNOs with 4g access and lest be honest, one is going to own a network soon and the other 2 are owned / part owned by o2. Doesn't bode well for long term competition. Wikipedia says Virgin Mobile had 4.1million subscribers in 2007 when Branson sold to NTL:Telewest (giving them the ability to rename the group Virgin Media) - and it was founded in 1999. The VM press release in 2013 says 61% of their 3 million mobile customers have smartphones. http://investors.virginmedia.com/pho...cle&ID=1872882 Tesco Mobile has 4 million customers apparently in 2015. So Tesco overtook Virgin Mobile and Virgin Media seems to have lost mobile customers. Most of my friends with Virgin cable TV and internet have EE or Three mobile phones. The VM phone service is not impressive.

13-10-2015, 23:00	#9
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	They had ambitions to move into contracts as well. This is the only source I can find at the moment: http://www.bitterwallet.com/mobile-b...ary-2016/88389

13-10-2015, 23:02	#10
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	It probably doesn't help that Virgin Media mobile seems to be more of a vehicle for their cable products. It's the BT Sport of mobile companies - you can buy it on its own but we'd really rather you bought another service from us too. VM landline phone service is probably an afterthought these days - the equipment dates from the early days of cable TV and its operations are all outsourced to BT Wholesale. Doesn't stop them charging £17 a month for it, or almost make it mandatory through ensuring the broadband only price is not much lower than BB+phone

13-10-2015, 23:14	#11
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	4m customers on a MVNO isn't bad at all when you think about it. I suspect Tesco have the threat like most networks do of BT coming into the market, however if the market remains as it is (3/o2 merger blocked) then you could see Tesco making in roads into 3 ..as o2 will have a decent 4g network where 3 have very little to offer on this front. I wonder what the Sainsburys mobit sub's base was? I can't see those figures on Google.

13-10-2015, 23:20	#12
japaul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,662	Some accurate numbers At the end of 2014: Virgin Mobile 3.05 million Tesco 4.42 million

13-10-2015, 23:22	#13
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Quote: Originally Posted by japaul Some accurate numbers At the end of 2014: Virgin Mobile 3.05 million Tesco 4.42 million Fair play to Tesco. That is an impressive MVNO.

13-10-2015, 23:27	#14
japaul Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,662	Yes and Tesco's numbers grew by 400k in 2014 (Virgin was down 7k). Also 2.06m of Tesco's total are contract.

13-10-2015, 23:57	#15
BKM Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,288	Quote: Originally Posted by japaul Yes and Tesco's numbers grew by 400k in 2014 (Virgin was down 7k). Also 2.06m of Tesco's total are contract. Tesco Mobile was under scrutiny by the new CEO and was, at one time, rumoured to be under threat of closure itself. Is it now on a solid long-term footing?

14-10-2015, 00:38	#16
Zee_Bukhari Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,319	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy 4m customers on a MVNO isn't bad at all when you think about it. I suspect Tesco have the threat like most networks do of BT coming into the market, however if the market remains as it is (3/o2 merger blocked) then you could see Tesco making in roads into 3 ..as o2 will have a decent 4g network where 3 have very little to offer on this front. I wonder what the Sainsburys mobit sub's base was? I can't see those figures on Google. I don't think Tesco is a threat to Three in any way.

14-10-2015, 06:54	#17
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Why? With growth like that and better coverage going forward they really could make inroads. I suspect if this story is true they will try and attract the Sainsburys mobile customers.

14-10-2015, 07:12	#18
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy Fair play to Tesco. That is an impressive MVNO. Yes, but it uses the O2 network, with isn't great last time I heard.

14-10-2015, 07:20	#19
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Quote: Originally Posted by Stig Yes, but it uses the O2 network, with isn't great last time I heard. That statement gets less and less correct with the expansion of cornerstone. In the areas that they have upgraded, cornerstone has a really dense and wide range of coverage.

14-10-2015, 08:29	#20
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	Maybe it will simply merge into Vodafone, thoughif BitterWallet is the appointed news messenger that is more unlikely. If it was a 50/50 investment partnership then Voda are equally responsible for any messy closure.

14-10-2015, 12:53	#21
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	The closure is now officially confirmed on their website. http://www.phoneshopbysainsburys.co.uk/mbs Quote: Important news for our Mobile by Sainsbury's customers We’re sorry to let you know that from 15th January 2016, the Mobile by Sainsbury’s phone service will no longer be available. We’ve loved having you as a customer, and we know that changing your service provider can be a hassle. So, we want to make the process as straightforward as possible. Firstly, we’re telling you now so that you have plenty of time to decide what to do. If you are a Pay As You Go customer, you are still able to top up until 14th November, in store and online. You can continue to use any remaining credit until 15th January 2016. If you are a Pay Monthly SIM Only customer, your service will continue to work as normal until 15th January 2016.

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Sainsburys Mobile closing down.

14-10-2015, 12:54	#22
IceNume Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 29	Any similar Vodafone MVNOs? 8p per minute 4p per text

14-10-2015, 12:56	#23
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 The closure is now officially confirmed on their website. http://help.sainsburys.co.uk/help/mo...important-news Seems a bit half-assed that there isn't even an official method of moving to proper Vodafone PAYG including retaining credit.

14-10-2015, 13:01	#24
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by moox Seems a bit half-assed that there isn't even an official method of moving to proper Vodafone PAYG including retaining credit. Seems to have been acrimonious, so no cooperation between the "divorcing" couple.

14-10-2015, 13:06	#25
LION8TIGER Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 7,984	Got the text 10 minutes ago to say it won't be available from 15th January. Thats Ovivo, Sainsburys ....... where next ? I have a 3 sim so probably there.