We often see reports from customers who believe that they may be at risk from fraudsters trying to dupe them into sharing their personal information. These types of scams are known as phishing or smishing – a form of fraud which impersonates a company in order to steal sensitive information such as login details. Unfortunately, in today’s world, these scams are all too common, generally targeting individuals and large organisations across different sectors by imitating all kinds of company communications. We’ve pulled together some information to help you identify these scams and keep your information safe.

What is it?

Phishing and Smishing is when fraudsters attempt to get hold of sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by pretending to be a trustworthy source in emails (Phishing) or texts (Smishing). These scams work by sending you an email or text that looks like it’s from your bank, service provider or other company. The email/text will ask you to visit a fake website that looks real. The site will have a form asking for personal information like usernames, passwords and bank account or pin numbers.

What am I looking for?

As with many scams, it begins with an email or text. The notification can, in some instances, purport to be a bill notification from us and can look very credible. It may detail an unusually high balance and include a link to ‘view your bill’. This messaging is designed to panic recipients into clicking the link to see how they’ve run up such a large bill. Instead, clicking the link will either direct you to a fake website or in some cases, download Malware to your computer. The most common type of phishing email will direct you to a fake website and ask you to enter your login details.  Malware can be used for a number of things – for example, it could record your keystrokes, enabling fraudsters to piece together personal information and login details for other sites.

Signs of a Phishing or Smishing Scam

It’s often easy to spot a scam. Be on the lookout for:

• Spelling mistakes
• A ‘from’ email address that doesn’t match the company or organisation, or a text sent from an unfamiliar sender, such as a mobile number
• Demands that you take action straight away or risk having your account suspended
• A generic ‘dear customer’ header
• Suspect links with extra letters, numbers or substitutions. For example, a phishing scam trying to imitate O2 might replace the letter ‘O’ with the number zero
• Requests for sensitive data like usernames, passwords, D.O.B etc.

Here are some examples of Phishing emails:

Here are some examples of Smishing texts:

   

What to do

If you’re suspicious about an email you’ve received please send it onto our team to be looked into. DO NOT click on any links. To enhance your privacy, use an email address on all online services where you don’t want to share your primary email address. It’s important that we see examples of phishing emails and websites so we can investigate and shut down scammers. To report a suspicious email or website:

• Create a new email draft with ‘Phishing’ as the subject
• Attach the suspicious email
• Send to [email protected]

To report a suspicious text forward the message to 7726. You may get an automated response thanking you for the report and giving you further instructions if needed. You will not be charged for sending texts to 7726.

For more information about phishing from our support pages, click HERE.
For more information and advice on how to safeguard against fraud, visit the Fraud Advisory Panel.
For more information on spam texts click HERE.

The post Phishing & Smishing – What you need to know appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Telefonica UK calls on FTSE bosses to participate in O2 5G Testbed trials.
• FTSE businesses encouraged to implement early O2 5G technology in pursuit of productivity and efficiency savings.
• O2’s Testbed commitment aims to unlock the potential for an increase in national output and an improvement in UK economic performance.
• Telefonica is a global leader and active participant in 5G development, testing and trialling each stage of future 5G rollout and IoT deployment on the global stage.

Telefónica UK Limited (“O2”) today has written to every Chief Executive of companies in the FTSE 100 Index to invite them to participate in O2’s 5G Testbed trials, ahead of the UK’s expected 5G launch from 2020. The call for applications was today made by Mark Evans, O2’s CEO.

Under the ground-breaking 5G commitment, O2 aims to work with a number of FTSE 100 businesses to understand the processes and use cases that would benefit from 5G. This could range from improving efficiencies in supply chains and production processes to unlocking new 5G enabled revenue streams and enhancing customer experience.

The commitment comes as O2 states its belief in 5G ‘to transform every corner of life and society’ whilst making it accessible for businesses and consumers alike.

Derek McManus, who has overseen the introduction of both 3G and 4G throughout his career as O2’s Chief Operations Officer, said: “5G is a brilliant way for the UK to turn promise into
progress. This nation will thrive on the potential power of 5G.”

O2, is the UK’s principle campaigner for Mobile Britain. Speaking of the 5G opportunity, Mark Evans said: “Mobile, and specifically 5G, is one of the UK’s most powerful opportunities to strengthen our economy, enrich our society and outperform on the global stage. Our national Testbed commitment is testament to this belief and we are excited by the value it could create for UK Plc.”

The FTSE 100 businesses will need to express their interest by September 2018 and meet certain qualifying criteria to be considered for the opportunity.

-ENDS-

The post O2 offers 5G Testbed opportunity to every company in the FTSE 100 in a pioneering move to improve national output and boost the economy appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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Telefónica UK Limited (O2) today announces first half year results for the six month period to 30^th June 2018

• Continued customer growth and sector leading loyalty. 100,000 new contract customers and contract churn at 1.0 per cent.
• Total revenue up 4.2 per cent year on year.
• OIBDA up 7.2 per cent year-on-year.
• Driven by unprecedented levels of investment of £2 billion over the last two years.
• FTSE 100 companies offered opportunity to participate in 5G testbed trials.

Mark Evans CEO for Telefónica UK commented:

“I’m pleased to report a strong first half to the year in which we have continued to deliver growth with more customers driving increased revenues and profitability while maintaining the highest levels of loyalty in our sector. This has been driven by our relentless focus on keeping the customer at the heart of our business.

The backbone for our ongoing success is our award winning network supported by unprecedented levels of investment of £2 billion over the last two years. This has helped boost network coverage and reliability while preparing the ground for 5G. We are rolling out the new 4G airwaves we acquired in April as fast as we can so that customers right across the UK can benefit from these investments as soon as possible.

We will continue to differentiate and build for our future through unique customer experiences and propositions while driving value for our business. Our efforts are driven by a strong belief that mobile is one of the biggest opportunities this country has to strengthen the economy and support society at large. O2 is proud to be its biggest champion”

5G development

Today the company confirmed it had written to every business on the FTSE 100 index giving them an opportunity to participate in 5G testbed trials. 5G, when it becomes available, has the potential to transform every corner of life and society. By encouraging businesses to implement 5G technology early, productivity and efficiency savings can be made that will have a national impact.

The separate testbed at The O2 in Greenwich London will be activated in the autumn to enable the testing of a variety of equipment and potential use cases for 5G under live conditions.

In April, Telefónica UK successfully acquired the largest share of airwaves during Ofcom’s spectrum auction investing £523.6 million to obtain 40MHz of immediately useable 4G spectrum (2.3GHz) and 40MHz of spectrum expected to be used in the launch of 5G (3.4GHz). The new 4G spectrum was activated on 60 sites within four hours of being made available. This will increase to over 1,000 sites by the end of the year. Places already benefitting from the 4G boost include Leeds, Nottingham and London.

Also in April the company announced an agreement with Arqiva to deploy up to 300 5G ready small cells across some of London’s busiest boroughs including Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth, Camden and Lambeth. Small cells provide enhanced mobile data capacity and coverage on 4G while laying the foundations for a rapid deployment of 5G connectivity when it becomes available. The company has already deployed small cells in The City of London and Aberdeen.

Continued Innovation

In June, the company announced a brand new partnership with Netflix offering new and upgrading customers on selected tariffs¹ a free 6 or 12 months Netflix subscription as a gift from O2. In addition, O2 customers can get double data on a number of tariffs so they can make the most of all the great content that Netflix has to offer from the captivating and nostalgic Stranger Things to the award-winning Orange Is The New Black and The Crown.

Also in June, the company launched Family Plan, a brand new proposition aimed at families. It offers one simple account and bill for the entire family with up to 50% discount on additional connections plus a subscription to Qustodio, a parental control application. The application gives parents a comprehensive set of tools to help them monitor and manage their children’s online world including the ability to block inappropriate content with smart filters, balance children’s screen time across multiple devices, set time limits for specific games and apps (or block them from running altogether) and monitor time spent on social media sites. Exclusive family offers and perks via Priority are included as well as free personalised support from O2 Gurus.

Priority saved customers over £10 million in the first half of the year with around 3.1 million Priority offers accepted and over 18 million entries made to Priority prize draws. In May the company announced a tie up with Shawn Mendes exclusively offering O2 customers Priority Tickets for the multi-platinum singer/songwriter’s six 2019 UK tour dates, 48 hours ahead of general release. Following in the footsteps of other megastars including Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran and Lady Gaga, the exclusive partnership saw the artist appear in one of O2’s iconic “Walk” TV ads.

In March, O2 introduced 27 more roaming destinations² where customers on selected new tariffs can use their phones at no extra cost including the USA and Australia. This took the total to an industry leading 75 destinations where customers can roam at no extra cost. At the same time, the company also launched a new range of flexible tariffs giving customers even more control over their bills. Now, all O2 Refresh tariffs are flexible for new and upgrading customers across all handsets and tablets – allowing them to move their data allowance up and down each month.

First Half 2018 Operating highlights

All financials reported using the new IFRS 15 reporting standards with year on year movements on a like for like basis

Telefónica UK’s total mobile accesses including customers who use the O2 network through Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lycamobile was 32.1 million maintaining Telefónica UK’s position as the largest UK mobile network carrier.

The company’s contract base increased by 1.2% year on year with net additions for the half year of 100,000 (47,000 excluding M2M). The contract customer base now accounts for 64 per cent of the total mobile base (+2 percentage point year-on-year). In the B2B sector the company gained new business from companies such as Sainsbury’s, Transport for London, NHS England and Northumbrian Water.  Active Prepay customers grew by 58 thousand in the first half.

The company maintained its sector leading levels of loyalty with churn at just 1.0% (excluding M2M).

Total revenue reached £2,836 million for the first half of the year (+4.2 per cent year-on-year, +5.6 per cent year-on-year for the second quarter) on the back of higher handset revenues, stronger mobile service revenue trends and continuing growth in Smart Metering and ICT. Mobile service revenue grew +2.4 per cent year-on-year (3.5 per cent year-on-year for the second quarter) driven by higher subscription revenues and further MVNO growth.

OIBDA reached £773 million, up 7.2 per cent year-on-year (+8.2 per cent year-on-year for the second quarter) partially supported by a reduction in Annual Licence Fee payments. OIBDA margin for the period was therefore 27.3 per cent (27.5 percent in the second quarter). Recent changes to roaming regulation continued to have an impact.

CapEx was £351 million in the period as the company continued to enhance its network for customers, extend 4G coverage while preparing the way for 5G.

 -Ends-

¹For applicable tariffs see o2.co.uk/Netflix. Netflix offer and double data available until 8 August 2018.

New Netflix customers auto opted in to Netflix after promotion using Charge to Mobile. Netflix offer only redeemable 14 days after purchase. For applicable tariffs see o2.co.uk/Netflix. Netflix offer expires 8 August 2018. Valid for [6/12] months of Netflix Service on the £7.99 (a month) “2 Screens at a Time Streaming Plan” (total value £47.94/95.88). A Netflix compatible device (manufactured and sold separately) and broadband Internet connection are required to watch instantly. Offer is not redeemable or refundable for cash, subject to applicable law, and cannot be exchanged for Netflix Gift Subscriptions. You may apply the value of the offer to a different Netflix streaming plan. Exchanges in this manner may alter the duration of the offer. Netflix Service price plans subject to change. See www.netflix.com/termsofuse.

²The extra 27 countries (O2 Travel Inclusive Zone) are: Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Greenland, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela and Yemen.

Customers with the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt-On have a daily allowance of 120 minutes, 120 texts and data.

O2’s Europe Zone includes: Austria, French Guiana, Latvia, Portugal, Azores, Germany, Liechtenstein, Reunion, Belgium, Gibraltar, Jersey, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Luxembourg, Saint Barthelemy, Canary Islands, Guadeloupe, Madeira, Saint Martin, Croatia, Guernsey, Malta, San Marino, Cyprus, Hungary, Martinique, Vatican City, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Iceland, Mayotte, Slovenia, Denmark, Ireland, Monaco, Spain, Estonia, Isle of Man, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, France and Poland.

The post UK’s favourite mobile network continues to grow appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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Sky and Telefónica UK have agreed a long-term deal which will see Telefónica UK continue to provide the network for Sky’s MVNO, Sky Mobile.

The deal builds on the existing partnership and underpins the future growth of Sky Mobile in the UK while securing Telefónica UK’s status as the trusted provider for many notable MVNO, public and private sector organisations.

As well as having access to 98 per cent indoor and outdoor population coverage on 4G, the agreement will see Sky and Telefónica cooperate on the testing and launch of 5G, including a 5G test bed. Sky customers will also get access to 5G as soon as it is launched by Telefónica.

Securing long-term access to Telefónica UK’s network underlines Sky’s commitment to Sky Mobile and is the first step in Sky’s fixed and wireless convergence strategy, enabling Sky to keep customers connected to more of what they love wherever they are.

Launched in January 2017, Sky Mobile recently launched a range of data bundles for tablets.

Stephen van Rooyen, CEO UK and ROI, Sky, said: “This long-term deal furthers our strategic partnership with Telefónica UK, accelerates the growth of Sky Mobile and ensures our customers continue to enjoy great service including 5G connectivity. Customers love Sky Mobile and the ease with which they can roll over their data and swap to the latest handset – that’s why over half a million customers have switched to Sky Mobile since we launched last year.”

Mark Evans, CEO, Telefónica UK, said: “Our award winning network and unwavering focus on the customer has helped us build a roster of successful partnerships. The extension of this agreement with Sky further optimises usage of our assets allowing us to continue to invest while helping Sky grow their mobile customer offer. We look forward to continuing this partnership and driving the mutual benefits it creates.”

The post Sky and Telefónica UK extend Sky Mobile partnership appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• The age-limits parents set their children revealed, including 18-rated films at 14 and Love Island from 13
• Children given access to online computer-games such as Fortnite at same time they first walk to school alone
• O2 Family research highlights the everyday challenges parents face, revealing today’s real “age restrictions”

Parents are allowing their children to explore the digital world, including online computer games such as Fortnite, at the same moment they have their first solo explorations of their local neighbourhoods, with lone walks to school only allowed from the same age (11).

The results have been unveiled following research from O2 Family, which revealed the average ages that parents let their children undertake a range of everyday activities.  In addition to highlighting the subjects that cause the most family arguments, the research unearthed a stark comparison between the ages we’ll allow our children to explore the digital world and the ages at which we will give them independence outside of the home in the “real world”.

While parents are careful to ensure their children don’t walk to school alone until 11, go into town unattended until 12 and don’t date until 14, they’re more comfortable about their children using social media (13), playing 12-rated computer games (11) or watching reality TV shows such as Love Island (13).

In fact, the research revealed that children are often being given greater freedom within the walls of their own homes than out of them, with 13 being the average age to stay home alone in contrast to 11 being the average age that children were given access to technology such as TVs, laptops and mobile phones.

Overall the research revealed that the majority of these types of ‘is it alright’ questions appear to stop at age 13, suggesting that parents view becoming a teenager a significant turning point for having wider conversations

But these age decisions aren’t made lightly, with more than nine in ten (92%) parents admitting to having argued about when to allow their children to reach certain milestones. The biggest argument (accounting for 34%) is usually about when it’s appropriate for a child to have a boyfriend or girlfriend stay overnight.  What time children should go to bed (33%), whether they should even have a boyfriend or girlfriend at all (26%), and whether they should be allowed a social media profile (18%) are also causes of family unrest.

The O2 Family research also revealed that parents are unsure of where to get advice on these types of issues with six in 10 (59%) often asking other parents what they think, despite over half (58%) agreeing that people are quick to judge someone’s parenting skills.   Meanwhile, whilst a  quarter of parents (25%) believe their children still do certain activities later than their friends, parents struggle to agree if their children are growing up too fast with 77% of mums believing they grow up too quickly compared to less than two -thirds of dads (65%).

Nina Bibby, CMO at O2 comments, “As a parent myself I know that managing family life in today’s ever changing digital world can be complicated.  It’s often difficult to agree on what we think is best for our children, and every family is unique, which is why we want to help to encourage parents to embrace these conversations and know they are not alone in facing these challenges.

With O2 Family we are offering a range of tools, services and expertise, enabling parents to take control over the part that technology plays in their households, helping them make the most of their family time together.”

The research revealed some of the most common ages that parents will allow their children to do a range of activities;

By the age of 11:

• walk to school alone
• play 12+ rated computer games
• ride as a passenger in the front seat of the car
• get a mobile phone
• Play a 12-rated computer game, such as Fortnite

At 12:

• stay up past 10pm
• listen to explicit song lyrics
• have access to WiFi both day and night
• take a trip to the shops alone

Age 13 is the tipping point for children:

• full access to Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram
• watch reality TV, such as Love Island
• have access to TV streaming services
• stay at home alone
• have a girlfriend or boyfriend
• use the family credit card
• have their own house keys
• watch a 15-rated film
• Turn parental locks off of the TV, internet etc

By 14:

• get a part-time job
• watch an 18-rated film
• Play an 18-rated computer game, like Call of Duty

To find out more about the new O2 Family offering, visit: https://www.o2.co.uk/family

 

 

The post Is it alright for my kids to do that? appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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As we reach the end of an eventful week of politics, you could be forgiven for thinking that nothing else matters in Government at the moment. While clearly there is a big job to be done at the top of Government to ensure Britain can prosper in the coming years, I want to look at opportunities away from Westminster.

In towns and cities across the country, local government and City Mayors are pressing ahead, trying to build a better future for their local area. Whatever happens at a national level, there will always be a local job to do – and it’s here that I’m excited by the economic opportunity of 5G.

Mobile connectivity is one of the key ingredients that keeps our economy and society moving, and a critical part of this is 5G. If implemented properly, 5G will play a key role in how our country develops over the next few decades.

With the potential to boost productivity and economic growth, the government rightly wants the UK to be a leader and early adopter of this technology. If we are to fulfill that ambition though, major investment and a new way of thinking is needed around digital infrastructure.

While good work has taken place, as always there is more to do. It’s why we’ve worked with independent think tank Centre for Cities to draw up a blueprint on how we can all make further progress.

The ‘Delivering change’ report published today, points to a significant digital divide in cities across Britain and identifies that a collective and collaborative effort is required if we want to convert the potential of 5G to reality.

The report makes a number of practical recommendations for the various decision makers involved in the building of 5G. These include:

• Planning laws being made more straightforward and supporting the provision of digital infrastructure and 5G wherever possible
• The current Electronic Communications Code, introduced in December 2017, being reviewed after 12 months to ensure it is still clear and fit for purpose

We would also like to see the Government setting up a fund so people and organizations can apply to enjoy a rent reduction if they open up their homes and land in order to improve digital connectivity in their local area. It’s landlords who literally ‘hold the key’ to unlocking access to ultrafast connectivity for Britain.

The report offers much food for thought and if it’s an area you work in I would be really interested to hear your views on it.

We expect, and welcome, debate around some of the specific policy recommendations – and we think this is the important next step. We must put 5G up the agenda so we can feel the benefits as a nation.

The post UK Cities Face a Digital Divide: 5G is the Answer appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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The overwhelming focus for many people today will be on this evening’s FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Croatia.  As England have progressed through the tournament, there has been increasing interest in how a group of disparate young men – the fiercest of rivals when playing for their club sides – have become such a united group.  Harry Kane said of his team-mates after England’s last 16 victory against Colombia: “I look at them like my brothers and they look at me the same.  We will do anything for each other.”

Their story demonstrates the strength that can be found in diversity and teamwork.  There are two other things happening today in the world of O2 that remind us of this truism.

First, I am delighted that O2 has today been included in the 2018 Social Mobility Employer Index, which identifies the UK’s top 50 employers taking the most action to improve social mobility in the workplace.  Produced by the Social Mobility Foundation and now in its second year, the Index ranks employers on the actions they are taking to ensure they are open to accessing and progressing talent from all backgrounds.

I am pleased that this year O2 has moved up from 24^th to 21^st in the Index.  We are the only mobile operator in the Top 50 and the highest placed tech business.  Diversity in our people – be it in social background, gender, race or sexuality – makes us stronger as a business, because it means we can better understand and meet the needs of our customers.

Second, this evening – just before the England game – government ministers will be addressing O2 and other supporters of the Inclusive Economy Partnership (IEP) at 10 Downing Street.  The IEP was launched in September 2017 and is a collaboration between businesses, government and civil society organisations; it seeks to support the UK’s 5.8m low and middle income families by developing practical help around a number of challenges they face, including Transition to Work from education.

To mark the occasion, O2 has committed to two specific actions.  The first of these is to join the Executive Committee of an IEP pilot project in the West Midlands to develop and deliver practical employment advice and support to young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs).  A secondee from our Go Think Big team is also joining the project secretariat for two days a week.  Our second IEP commitment is a new partnership we have agreed between Go Think Big, Wayra and Workfinder to deliver and promote work experience opportunities in Wayra start-ups for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds who might not otherwise get the chance work in such enterprises and alongside digital entrepreneurs.

O2 is proud to support social mobility and the IEP.  We believe backing issues and collaborations such as these is the right thing to do and makes our business stronger.  At their core is a commitment to diversity.  We don’t know yet if football is coming home, but we’re definitely bringing diversity home to O2.  Enjoy the match.

Ann Pickering recently recorded a podcast to discuss social mobility and the Inclusive Economy Partnership with Shevaun Haviland of the Cabinet Office and Caroline Mason, CEO of the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.  You can listen to it here.

The post It’s coming home! appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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