Sainsburys Mobile closing down.

Richard1960 · 14-10-2015, 22:20

Quote:

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.

Is it not i find them quite good actually being on EE as VM Mobile are also gives good coverage.

jchamier · 14-10-2015, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard1960

Is it not i find them quite good actually being on EE as VM Mobile are also gives good coverage.

Depends what you're looking for, if you want latest handsets on a 24month contract with 4G and latest 'gadgets' then Virgin Mobile isn't for you.

If you want a service for an older phone that is 3G only and you want good pricing, they're good if you're a cable customer and get the discount. Otherwise they're nothing special.

Richard1960 · 14-10-2015, 22:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

Depends what you're looking for, if you want latest handsets on a 24month contract with 4G and latest 'gadgets' then Virgin Mobile isn't for you.

If you want a service for an older phone that is 3G only and you want good pricing, they're good if you're a cable customer and get the discount. Otherwise they're nothing special.

No agree it depends on what you are looking for and the handsets are rather expensive look at the prices on freestyle contracts ,but they do have the latest handsets and coverage is really good compared to the old days when VM used to operate on T-Mobiles network before it combined with Orange.

True no 4G but not that bothered really at the moment as 3G is good enough for me,but others will want 4G but they are far from bad suppliers IMO as suggested.

I do get the cable customer discount as well.

clewsy · 14-10-2015, 22:57

I think comments about coverage are interesting as alltbhe networks are different for the needs of everyone. For example I'm not far from an old orange 2g mast, yet despite still in use, indoor coverage from EE is poor. Contrast that with O2/VF full 4g signal indoor and in places now where EE still rely on 2g.

I really do think it depends where you are. Yes on the whole EE are better in rural places, but areaa that have been upgraded by cornerstone are impressive and they are doing deep and wide coverage which is having a real impact.

swb1964 · 15-10-2015, 07:12

Isn't this the second time Sainsburys have pulled out of the mobile market? I seem to remember a tie up with Orange sometime in the distant past?

binary · 15-10-2015, 10:36

This is kinda crap news.

I can't imagine Sainsbury's are very happy at all - their whole approach to MbS was that they were a trustworthy name, providing a trustworthy and straightforward service. The bundles and SIM-only contracts were quite attractive - sure, no 4G, but that's not the be all and end all for everyone.

If you're a wannabe MVNO, then you might want to think long and hard before signing up with Vodafone. Should Lebara be concerned...?

binary · 15-10-2015, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKM

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?

There were never any plans to close Tesco Mobile - but the new management at Tesco, who are dealing with the fallout from the massive profits overstatement debacle, were said to be considering selling it.

jonmorris · 15-10-2015, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by binary

Should Lebara be concerned...?

No, they've got sacks of cash - literally.

binary · 15-10-2015, 14:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

No, they've got sacks of cash - literally.

Careful Jon... they might have, but that investigation by BuzzFeed News was about Lyca...

alanwarwic · 15-10-2015, 14:37

Wasnt it far more a slur than an investigation?

Will they do a similar one for Nobles Amusements?

jonmorris · 15-10-2015, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by binary

Careful Jon... they might have, but that investigation by BuzzFeed News was about Lyca...

Ah, good point!

binary · 15-10-2015, 14:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

Wasnt it far more a slur than an investigation?

No.

Cash rich businesses are fine, but they don't need to operate in such a deeply suspicious manner.

alanwarwic · 15-10-2015, 15:18

If they had done some sort of investigation it would have been more interesting, but all they had was photos of them cashing up.

All that means is that for security, the routine has to change quite dramatically, different vans, maybe dfferent people and different banks.

binary · 15-10-2015, 17:10

Sorry Alan, but I think that's a rather naive take on it.

alanwarwic · 15-10-2015, 17:37

Maybe, but it does not stop me guessing how they exanded into so many small shops.
I'm guessing salesmen supply topup cards to the shops, collecting payment only post sale, ensuring zero cash outlay and zero risk to all the small shop agents.

Lots of foot soldiers?

alanwarwic · 17-10-2015, 17:34

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/mar...000-users.html

"Mobile phone group TalkTalk reportedly claimed that Vodafone was withdrawing entirely from the MVNO market in documents filed with the Competition and Markets Authority in July over the forthcoming mega-merger between BT and EE."

What happens to talktalk and lebra then if true?

jonmorris · 17-10-2015, 18:46

If that happens, surely another network will welcome them with open arms?

d123 · 17-10-2015, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/mar...000-users.html

"Mobile phone group TalkTalk reportedly claimed that Vodafone was withdrawing entirely from the MVNO market in documents filed with the Competition and Markets Authority in July over the forthcoming mega-merger between BT and EE."

What happens to talktalk and lebra then if true?

TalkTalk moved to o2, that's when they made the statement you have posted.

A slightly better report than than the Daily Heil one you have linked:

http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php...s-dropped.html

alanwarwic · 17-10-2015, 20:28

I assume Sainsburys knew way in advance, though at least they have still given good advance notice.

I relied on Wikipedia to tell me talktalk was still on Vodafone.

sills · 17-10-2015, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

TalkTalk moved to o2

They are going to at some point, they haven't yet.

alanwarwic · 17-10-2015, 21:25

http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/t...fone-for-o2-4g

Confusing, I see no mentions of timescale.

sills · 17-10-2015, 21:33

Talktalk haven't moved anyone to O2 yet and new SIMs are still on Vodafone. They keep saying they don't know when it will happen in their forums.

alanwarwic · 17-10-2015, 21:35

January 2016 then, at short notice?

A puzzling slow burner.

jaydee456 · 18-10-2015, 15:25

When Asda switched from Vodafone to ee I switched to Sainsbury's. Now that is going too.
Does Vodafone themselves do a basic payg. All I see on line is Bundles that last a month. As I only use my phone for emergencies and the odd call or text I need to top up when my credit runs low only.
Any help much appreciated.

Thanks Jay

Thine Wonk · 18-10-2015, 16:20

Already posted http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2111265

14-10-2015, 22:20	#51
Richard1960 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 13,433	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier 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. Is it not i find them quite good actually being on EE as VM Mobile are also gives good coverage.

18-10-2015, 15:25	#74
jaydee456 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 247	Sainsburys mobile no more from mid January When Asda switched from Vodafone to ee I switched to Sainsbury's. Now that is going too. Does Vodafone themselves do a basic payg. All I see on line is Bundles that last a month. As I only use my phone for emergencies and the odd call or text I need to top up when my credit runs low only. Any help much appreciated. Thanks Jay

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14-10-2015, 22:35	#52
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by Richard1960 Is it not i find them quite good actually being on EE as VM Mobile are also gives good coverage. Depends what you're looking for, if you want latest handsets on a 24month contract with 4G and latest 'gadgets' then Virgin Mobile isn't for you. If you want a service for an older phone that is 3G only and you want good pricing, they're good if you're a cable customer and get the discount. Otherwise they're nothing special.

14-10-2015, 22:40	#53
Richard1960 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 13,433	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier Depends what you're looking for, if you want latest handsets on a 24month contract with 4G and latest 'gadgets' then Virgin Mobile isn't for you. If you want a service for an older phone that is 3G only and you want good pricing, they're good if you're a cable customer and get the discount. Otherwise they're nothing special. No agree it depends on what you are looking for and the handsets are rather expensive look at the prices on freestyle contracts ,but they do have the latest handsets and coverage is really good compared to the old days when VM used to operate on T-Mobiles network before it combined with Orange. True no 4G but not that bothered really at the moment as 3G is good enough for me,but others will want 4G but they are far from bad suppliers IMO as suggested. I do get the cable customer discount as well.

14-10-2015, 22:57	#54
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	I think comments about coverage are interesting as alltbhe networks are different for the needs of everyone. For example I'm not far from an old orange 2g mast, yet despite still in use, indoor coverage from EE is poor. Contrast that with O2/VF full 4g signal indoor and in places now where EE still rely on 2g. I really do think it depends where you are. Yes on the whole EE are better in rural places, but areaa that have been upgraded by cornerstone are impressive and they are doing deep and wide coverage which is having a real impact.

15-10-2015, 07:12	#55
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Isn't this the second time Sainsburys have pulled out of the mobile market? I seem to remember a tie up with Orange sometime in the distant past?

15-10-2015, 10:36	#56
binary Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 636	This is kinda crap news. I can't imagine Sainsbury's are very happy at all - their whole approach to MbS was that they were a trustworthy name, providing a trustworthy and straightforward service. The bundles and SIM-only contracts were quite attractive - sure, no 4G, but that's not the be all and end all for everyone. If you're a wannabe MVNO, then you might want to think long and hard before signing up with Vodafone. Should Lebara be concerned...?

15-10-2015, 10:50	#57
binary Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 636	Quote: Originally Posted by BKM 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? There were never any plans to close Tesco Mobile - but the new management at Tesco, who are dealing with the fallout from the massive profits overstatement debacle, were said to be considering selling it.

15-10-2015, 14:02	#58
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by binary Should Lebara be concerned...? No, they've got sacks of cash - literally.

15-10-2015, 14:16	#59
binary Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 636	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris No, they've got sacks of cash - literally. Careful Jon... they might have, but that investigation by BuzzFeed News was about Lyca...

15-10-2015, 14:37	#60
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	Wasnt it far more a slur than an investigation? Will they do a similar one for Nobles Amusements?

15-10-2015, 14:39	#61
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by binary Careful Jon... they might have, but that investigation by BuzzFeed News was about Lyca... Ah, good point!

15-10-2015, 14:56	#62
binary Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 636	Quote: Originally Posted by alanwarwic Wasnt it far more a slur than an investigation? No. Cash rich businesses are fine, but they don't need to operate in such a deeply suspicious manner.

15-10-2015, 15:18	#63
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	If they had done some sort of investigation it would have been more interesting, but all they had was photos of them cashing up. All that means is that for security, the routine has to change quite dramatically, different vans, maybe dfferent people and different banks.

15-10-2015, 17:10	#64
binary Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 636	Sorry Alan, but I think that's a rather naive take on it.

15-10-2015, 17:37	#65
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	Maybe, but it does not stop me guessing how they exanded into so many small shops. I'm guessing salesmen supply topup cards to the shops, collecting payment only post sale, ensuring zero cash outlay and zero risk to all the small shop agents. Lots of foot soldiers?

17-10-2015, 17:34	#66
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/mar...000-users.html "Mobile phone group TalkTalk reportedly claimed that Vodafone was withdrawing entirely from the MVNO market in documents filed with the Competition and Markets Authority in July over the forthcoming mega-merger between BT and EE." What happens to talktalk and lebra then if true?

17-10-2015, 18:46	#67
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	If that happens, surely another network will welcome them with open arms?

17-10-2015, 19:28	#68
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by alanwarwic http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/mar...000-users.html "Mobile phone group TalkTalk reportedly claimed that Vodafone was withdrawing entirely from the MVNO market in documents filed with the Competition and Markets Authority in July over the forthcoming mega-merger between BT and EE." What happens to talktalk and lebra then if true? TalkTalk moved to o2, that's when they made the statement you have posted. A slightly better report than than the Daily Heil one you have linked: http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php...s-dropped.html

17-10-2015, 20:28	#69
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	I assume Sainsburys knew way in advance, though at least they have still given good advance notice. I relied on Wikipedia to tell me talktalk was still on Vodafone.

17-10-2015, 21:13	#70
sills Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Kent Posts: 196	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 TalkTalk moved to o2 They are going to at some point, they haven't yet.

17-10-2015, 21:25	#71
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/t...fone-for-o2-4g Confusing, I see no mentions of timescale.

DS Forums

Sainsburys Mobile closing down.

17-10-2015, 21:33	#72
sills Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Kent Posts: 196	Talktalk haven't moved anyone to O2 yet and new SIMs are still on Vodafone. They keep saying they don't know when it will happen in their forums.

17-10-2015, 21:35	#73
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	January 2016 then, at short notice? A puzzling slow burner.

18-10-2015, 16:20	#75
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Already posted http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2111265