New NSPCC and O2 research has revealed that one in four young people have been contacted over social media by an adult they don’t know, with a third of these children aged under 13.

2,059 children and 2,049 parents were surveyed for Net Aware, the essential guide to 40 of the most popular social media sites, apps and games that young people use, produced by NSPCC in partnership with O2.

Children and parents were asked if they’d seen violent, bullying or adult content on the social networking sites and games that children use – with Facebook and YouTube receiving high risk ratings across the board.

Other sites found to be risky included Twitter and Reddit, with both rated high for inappropriate content. Other sites in the top 15 most risky platforms included lesser known names that parents may not be aware of such as Sarahah, Episode: Choose Your Story, Omegle, ROBLOX and Yubo (formerly called Yellow).

A 16-year-old girl who reviewed YouTube said: “When you’re watching a video of something like a makeup artist, a video can be at the side of something completely different that could be sexual/hurtful or anything else. It’s easy to get yourself into a bad video.”

A 13-year-old girl who reviewed Facebook said: “I don’t like that just random people can send you a friend request.”

Positively, Net Aware highlighted that two-thirds of young people know how to perform safety functions including reporting inappropriate content, blocking someone online and changing privacy and location settings.

The NSPCC and O2 encourages parents to use Net Aware to build their confidence in having regular and informed conversations about what their child is doing online – just as they would about their day at school.

NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless said: “Worryingly we are hearing from children as young as 13 who have been contacted by adults they don’t know on social media, leaving them scared and upset.

“In addition our research shows children are being exposed to inappropriate and harmful content across a range of social networking sites and games, from the big names to those perhaps lesser known to parents.

“That’s why it’s so important for parents to download the Net Aware app so they can keep up to speed with new sites, apps and games as they appear and the risks they present. Net Aware does all the work, updating parents with the latest reviews, news and risks about sites their children are using and providing tips and advice to keep them safe online.”

Nina Bibby, CMO at O2 says: “Net Aware is a great way for parents to stay up to date with their children’s digital world. Our latest update now covers 40 of the most popular sites, apps or games – helping parents to support their kids to explore and enjoy the online world safely. While it’s encouraging to see that children increasingly know about social media safety settings, the constantly evolving digital world means that it’s more important than ever for organisations like O2 and the NSPCC to work together to keep kids safe online.”

The Net Aware app can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store or Google Play. It can also be accessed online at www.net-aware.org.uk.

The post Children under 13 being targeted by adults they don’t know on social media appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• O2 switches on sites within 24 hours of acquiring the new spectrum
• The operator is planning to switch on over 1,000 sites nationwide with the new spectrum by the end of the year
• The company acquired all the available 4G spectrum in Ofcom’s spectrum auction in April

 

Today, O2 announces it will connect over 1,000 UK sites to new 4G spectrum by the end of 2018. The operator has already switched on sites to transmit the new 4G spectrum within 24 hours of acquiring it.

The rapid rollout follows O2’s purchase of an additional 40Mhz of 2.3GHz 4G spectrum in Ofcom’s spectrum auction, which concluded earlier this month. The company will have switched on 100 sites across the country to transmit the new spectrum by the end of April, including in London, Leeds and Nottingham.

The deployment of new 4G spectrum will reach over 1,000 sites nationwide and more than 10 cities by the end of the year. It will enhance O2’s 4G experience for customers across the UK, allowing them do more of the things they want wherever they are. The rollout plan prioritises enhancing performance on major transportation hubs in major cities, and in busy shopping areas including Westfield Shopping centres in White City and Stratford where the public has been calling for an improved service.

The additional 4G spectrum will ensure O2 can continue to meet the nation’s rapidly growing demand for mobile data. Just last year the amount of mobile data the British public uses increased more than 46%¹ as consumers increasingly choose mobile devices over laptops and televisions when it comes to browsing the internet or watching their favourite programmes.

The 4G rollout is part of O2’s commitment to delivering the best mobile experience for its customers across the UK. The telecoms operator invests over £2 million per day to maintain and improve its network. In the past year alone, O2 has grown its 4G coverage to cover over 98 per cent of the UK population helping to connect even more customers to 4G mobile speeds.

Derek McManus, COO of O2, said: “We know how important a fast and reliable connection is to our customers which is why we’re putting our new 4G spectrum to use as quickly as possible. We were able to switch on the first sites within 24 hours. Our swift deployment of new 4G spectrum will further enhance the O2 experience for all of our UK customers.”

 

– ENDS – 

1 – Ofcom Connected Nations report, December 2017

About O2

O2 is the commercial brand of Telefónica UK Limited and is the mobile network operator with the highest customer satisfaction in the UK according to The Institute of Customer Service. O2 was also awarded Best Network Coverage in 2018 by uSwitch. With over 25 million customers, O2 runs 2G, 3G and 4G networks across the UK, as well as operating its nationwide O2 Wifi service. O2 has over 450 retail stores and sponsors The O2, O2 Academy venues and England Rugby. Read more about O2 at o2.co.uk/news.

Telefónica UK Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registration number: 1743099.

Its registered office is at: 260 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4DX, United Kingdom.

The post O2 to connect 1,000 locations to latest 4G spectrum in rapid rollout appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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Telefónica UK, the customer led, mobile first operator, today announces first quarter results for the three month period to 31^st March 2018 

Highlights

• UK’s leading mobile network carrier with total mobile base standing at 32 million
• Largest new share of airwaves acquired in latest mobile spectrum auction
• Market leading loyalty maintained with contract churn at 1.0 per cent
• Continued strong financial performance:
  • Total Revenue up 2.9 per cent year-on-year
  • Service revenue up 1.2 per cent year-on-year
  • OIBDA up 6.1 per cent year-on-year

 

Patricia Cobian CFO for Telefónica UK commented:

“Our newly acquired mobile spectrum allows us to further strengthen our award winning network, enhancing our connectivity for our customers while boosting the economy and laying the foundations for 5G in Britain”

 

Ongoing network investment and deployment

The company successfully acquired the largest share of airwaves in Ofcom’s latest 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). Ensuring the spectrum acquired is effectively deployed for customers is a central element of O2’s strategy.  Ofcom confirmed in the quarter that the company had fulfilled its commitment to deliver 98% UK indoor population coverage and 90% geographic coverage for its existing 4G spectrum.

Today, the company announced that it will deploy the new 4G spectrum at over 1,000 sites across the UK by the end of 2018. Places to benefit include Leeds, Nottingham and London with 60 sites in the capital already utilising the new airwaves after the spectrum was activated within 24 hours of Ofcom making them available for use.

The allocation of 3.4GHz spectrum is expected to be one of the first bands available for 5G from 2020. In February the company unveiled plans to install a live 5G test bed at The O2 in North Greenwich, London. The network will be used to test a variety of equipment and potential use cases for 5G under live conditions, gathering feedback from customers and partners to ensure a future high quality service. The company intends to run four separate 5G trials in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland over the next 12 months.

This month, the company announced plans to work with Arqiva to deploy up to 300 small cells across some of London’s busiest boroughs including Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth, Camden and Lambeth. The small cells, once installed, will 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.

The company continues to invest £2 million every day enhancing the network experience for customers. In line with its customer led approach, it was named through a public vote at the annual uSwitch Awards as having the best network coverage.

 

Continued innovation

O2 introduced 27 more roaming destinations ⁽¹⁾ 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 ⁽²⁾.

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 airtime bills up and down each month.

O2 Priority saved customers over £5.8 million in the quarter with around 1.8 million Priority offers accepted such as free chocolate treats during Easter from Thorntons, early access to the Virgin Trains ticket sale and free hot drinks at Caffè Nero. Over 9 million entries were also made to Priority prize draws in the last quarter. O2 Priority customers were also able to access Priority Ticket offers as part of War Child BRITs Week to see leading artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, and Wolf Alice in intimate venues across London and Manchester, helping raise £649k for children affected by conflict.

 

First quarter 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 32.0 million maintaining Telefónica UK’s position as the biggest UK mobile network carrier.

The company’s contract base increased by 1.2% year on year with net additions for the quarter of 16,000 (5,000 excluding M2M). The contract customer base now accounts for 64 per cent of the total mobile base (+1.3 percentage point year-on-year)]. In the B2B sector the company gained new business from companies such as Sainsbury’s, NHS England and Northumbrian Water.   

Contract churn excluding M2M was 1.0 per cent for the quarter maintaining Telefónica UK’s market leading position for customer loyalty.

Active Prepay customers reduced by 78 thousand in line with market trends.

Total Revenue reached £1,401 million (+2.9 per cent year-on-year) on the back of higher handset revenues, stronger mobile service revenue trends and continuing growth in Smart Metering and ICT solution non-mobile revenues. Mobile service revenue grew +1.2 per cent year-on-year driven by higher subscription revenues and further growth in MVNO.

OIBDA reached £379 million, up 6.1 per cent year-on-year, supported by a reduction in Annual Licence Fee payments, with OIBDA margin standing at 27.1 per cent. Recent changes to roaming regulation continued to have an impact.

CapEx was £161 million in the quarter as the company continued to enhance its network for customers and extend 4G coverage.

 

-Ends-

 Telefónica UK Contact: Dave Massey 07730 426222 ([email protected])  

Notes to Editors

(1) The 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. 

(2) 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.

 

About Telefónica UK / O2

Telefónica UK Limited is a leading digital communications company owned by Telefónica S.A. O2 is the commercial brand of Telefónica UK Limited and is the mobile network operator with the highest customer satisfaction in the UK according to Ofcom and The Institute of Customer Service. With over 25 million customers, O2 runs 2G, 3G and 4G networks across the UK, as well as operating its nationwide O2 Wifi service. O2 has over 450 retail stores and sponsors The O2, O2 Academy venues and England Rugby. Read more about O2 at o2.co.uk/news.

The post Focus on customers drives strong financial performance appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• O2 launches 4G in Upton-upon-Severn and surrounding villages
• West Worcestershire MP, Harriett Baldwin, met with local residents and business owners to welcome the launch of 4G in the town
• O2 continues to increase its 4G coverage across Worcestershire

O2 continues to increase its 4G mobile coverage across Worcestershire with Upton-upon-Severn as the latest town in the county to benefit,  demonstrating the mobile network’s commitment to bring 4G to more local communities.

The new site will bring improved indoor and outdoor coverage in Upton-upon-Severn, bringing 2G, 3G and 4G service to the town which will provide a better mobile experience for O2 customers.

MP for West Worcestershire, Harriett Baldwin, met local business owners and residents in Upton-upon-Severn where the new mast went live last week.  She was joined by O2 Guru, Edward Healey, who highlighted the benefits that improved connectivity will bring to the community.  The new mast will provide coverage across Upton-upon-Severn, as well as surrounding villages, including Ryall, Tunnell Hill and Newbridge Green.

Since the start of 2017, O2 has launched 4G in over 90 locations across Worcestershire.  Areas that have already been upgraded to 4G include Bewdley, Tenbury Wells, Offenham, Naunton and Little Malvern.

Customers in upgraded areas can now enjoy high speed 4G mobile internet, enabling them to stream high definition TV, shop on the go and use video calling.  For business customers, using 4G means that they can be more effective and flexible by working remotely and getting the most out of cloud services.

O2 is also partnering in the successful bid by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to host a 5G testbed at the Malvern Hills Science Park.  This testbed will provide a platform for local and national businesses to develop next-generation technology for when 5G launches.   When it becomes available in the UK, 5G infrastructure will allow for the future delivery of critical services like connected transport across the UK.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, commented: “I have been working hard with the mobile operators to deliver improved phone signals for people who live and work in and around Upton-upon-Severn and I am delighted with the new site from O2 which I hope will see better coverage for its customers.

“For many years people have struggled to make and receive calls in the centre of Upton and I look forward to hearing positive feedback on what difference this mast is making as we approach the peak of the tourist season. Delivering a 21st century communications network across Worcestershire will ensure that we are able to keep local people connected as well as offering a first-class welcome to tourists and visitors.”

Brendan O’Reilly, Chief Network Office O2, said:  “We’re committed to improving our network for customers and are delighted to be launching a new 4G site in Upton-upon-Severn that will benefit local businesses and the community as a whole. This site serves to highlight the importance of key stakeholders – industry, planners, local authority, business groups and elected representatives – working together to ensure investment in our network can go further for our customers.”

O2 currently offers 4G in over 17,000 cities, towns and villages across the UK and spends over £2 million a day on strengthening its network and increasing its reach.  In addition to launching 4G, O2 is also strengthening its 2G and 3G networks across the country.  Earlier this year, Ofcom confirmed that O2 has successfully delivered 98% 4G UK indoor population coverage.

For more information about 4G on O2 please visit www.o2.co.uk/4G.

The post O2 brings new 4G to Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Companies working together to install an initial 300 outdoor small cells across London
• Delivering improved mobile coverage and paving the way for 5G connectivity across the capital

Arqiva, the leading UK communications infrastructure company, and O2 have today announced plans to deploy up to 300 small cells across London, one of the biggest outdoor small cell deployments by O2 in the UK to date. The small cells, once installed, will provide enhanced mobile data capacity and coverage to those living and working in some of the capital’s busiest boroughs.

The long term agreement will make use of some of Arqiva’s comprehensive concession contracts with 14 of the London Boroughs, including the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth, Camden and Lambeth, to name a few. Initial sites will be live by the summer 2018, with deployment continuing up to 2020.

The 300 small cells will be installed on street assets, such as lampposts, to deliver targeted coverage and increased capacity in areas where mobile data demand is particularly high, for example outside transport hubs and major shopping areas.

In addition to its immediate customer benefits, the agreement will lay the foundations for a rapid deployment of 5G connectivity when it becomes available. O2 research recently revealed that 5G will ‘update the operating system’ of the UK’s cities, making them smarter and creating tangible benefits for citizens and local councils – as well as generating £6 billion productivity savings for the UK economy.*

David Crawford, Managing Director, Telecoms & M2M at Arqiva, said: “New types of mobile infrastructure are now required to meet the needs of the mobile network operators and their customers. As demand for data continues to increase, the requirement for network densification will grow and use of street furniture and small cells will play a critical role in delivering the mobile networks of the future.

“The agreement between O2 and Arqiva represents the start of this journey and we look forward to working together to deliver an enhanced experience for O2 customers.”

Brendan O’Reilly, Chief Technical Officer, O2, said: “National 5G infrastructure – when it arrives in a few years’ time – will not only have a crucial impact on our economy, it will change the way we live our lives.  Our partnership with Arqiva reflects this belief and demonstrates our commitment to exploring opportunities to provide the increased capacity and denser coverage our customers deserve in the areas they need it most. Only by working together, with industry partners, regulators, and government policy makers, will we be able to continue delivering the best for our customers and to help the UK maintain the digital leadership we have all worked so hard to establish”.

The post Arqiva and O2 to improve mobile connectivity in London Boroughs appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• O2 to stock Sony Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact from today, with exclusive range of the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact in White Silver in the UK
• O2 to exclusively offer a free pair of Sony WF1000X headphones for purchases made before 2^nd May
• In addition, customers who buy before 30^th June will receive a free year’s subscription to PS Plus

O2 has revealed pricing information for the Sony Xperia XZ2 and Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact, available for customers to purchase from today.

O2 will exclusively sell the Xperia XZ2 Compact in White Silver in the UK, as well as offering the classic Black option, whilst the Xperia XZ2 will be available in Liquid Black, Liquid Silver & Deep Green/Blue colour variants.

For the XZ2, prices start from £38 per month with £129.99 upfront payment for 1GB of data. Alternatively, the handset is available for the slightly higher £42 per month for those who spend just £39.99 upfront, for the same amount of data.

For the XZ2 Compact, prices start from £33 per month with a £119.99 upfront payment for 1GB of data. Or, for the same data allowance, pay £29.99 upfront and then £37 a month.

Lucky O2 customers who buy before 2^nd May can exclusively claim a free pair of Sony WF1000X headphones (RRP £180). Additionally, those who buy before 30^th June will also receive a free year’s subscription to PS Plus (RRP £49.99).

Available on O2 Refresh tariffs*, the latest Xperia devices include the brand’s loudest ever speakers and stunning Sony BRAVIA® TV Full HD+ HDR display, providing a truly immersive viewing. Moreover, on the Sony Xperia XZ2 users can experience the best of Sony entertainment in the palm of their hand with the new Dynamic Vibration System which analyses audio data and lets users feel the action in the palm of their hand for a truly unique experience.

With O2 Refresh, customers can move to a higher or lower tariff in their family of tariffs once every billing month**, depending on how much data they anticipate using, giving customers’ flexibility and control over their bills. Customers who want to upgrade early from another handset need only pay off the remaining balance of their Device Plan to stay bang-up-to-date. What’s more, customers who want to keep their phone after two years will only pay for their monthly Airtime Plan from that point. Terms and conditions apply, visit o2.co.uk/termsandconditions for full details.

Plus, by recycling an old handset through O2 Recycle, customers can receive a cash payment when they upgrade. This could be up to £220 for the Sony Xperia XZ1, depending on the condition of the device***. Customers can recycle in-store or online at www.o2.co.uk/recycle.

For more information on new phone launches, visit www.o2.co.uk.

– ENDS –

 *O2 Refresh has two parts: a 24 month Airtime Plan (your calls, texts and data) and a device taken either on a 24 month consumer credit agreement Device Plan or by paying the upfront cash price. You need to pass credit checks, be 18 or over and pay by Direct Debit.  Subject to status. Credit’s provided by Telefónica UK Ltd (you know us as O2), 260 Bath Road, Slough, Berks SL1 4DX. In relation to consumer credit Telefónica UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our terms apply: o2.co.uk/terms.

**Only on O2 Refresh tariffs purchased directly from O2. Change your airtime tariff after 30 days and then once every billing month during your minimum contract period, choosing from a selected family of tariffs. Some tariff extras are only available on the starting tariff, are not transferable, and may be lost if you change to an ineligible tariff. Devices are subject to availability. O2 Refresh: Finance is subject to status, credit check and direct debit. 18+. 0% APR. Terms apply, see o2.co.uk/terms.

***Your device must pass our checklist. The value will depend on the model and condition. We can transfer the money or you can use the money towards a new purchase from O2 in the same transaction. Our terms apply o2recycle.co.uk.

The post O2 to stock newly announced Sony Xperia devices from today appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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• Telefónica UK (O2) wins largest spectrum share in latest auction, investing £523.6 million in 80MHz and further demonstrates Telefónica’s commitment to the UK Market.
• The company obtained 40MHz of immediately useable spectrum (2.3GHz) and 40MHz of spectrum expected to be used in the launch of 5G (3.4GHz).
• New 4G airwaves to be switched on for customers within 24 hours of ability to deploy

 A significant milestone on the road to 5G in Britain– Telefónica UK (O2) today confirmed the successful acquisition of £523.6m worth of new mobile airwaves during the latest spectrum auction, held by Ofcom whilst achieving the lowest spend per MHz of any bidder. This significant investment is further evidence of Telefónica’s commitment to the UK.

Securing all of the available 2.3GHz spectrum in the auction will provide a significant boost to O2 customers as the company will be the only player to deploy this new spectrum in the next two years. The company has committed to an immediate deployment of these new 4G airwaves for its customers, switching them on in certain areas within 24 hours of Ofcom making them available for use.

The company also secured a major allocation of 3.4GHz spectrum which is expected to be one of the first bands available for 5G from 2020.

Telefónica UK CEO, Mark Evans said: “We have been setting the standard for loyalty and customer service in our sector. With this spectrum investment we can build on our publicly recognised Best Network Coverage, to lead the way on network reliability and service as well. The real winners in this auction are customers as O2 invests to further strengthen its award winning network. The airwaves we’ve secured allow us to further enhance our network, both now and in the future.

We’ve thrown down a major marker for our future commitment to the UK. Our investment in 3.4GHz enables us to move forward to further improve connectivity whilst boosting the economy and laying the foundations for 5G in Britain”

The allocation of 3.4GHz spectrum strengthens O2’s ability to deploy 5G infrastructure once the technical standards are agreed, building on the recent announcement of its 5G test bed at The O2 in North Greenwich and ‘5G ready’ small cells which are already deployed in the City of London and Aberdeen. This infrastructure will allow for the future delivery of critical services like telehealth and connected transport, with recent research* revealing 5G services could generate £6 billion in productivity savings for the UK economy.

O2 invests £2 million a day in its network to improve the coverage and experience for all of its customers. Earlier this year Ofcom confirmed that O2 had successfully delivered 98% 4G UK indoor population coverage, a requirement of the airwaves it secured in the 2013 spectrum auction.

O2 will initially utilise its 2.3GHz spectrum in London, with other UK cities to follow in the coming months, including Edinburgh, Newcastle and Leeds.

-ENDS-

The post O2’s customers are the ‘winners’ as Telefónica UK makes £500m airwaves investment to further strengthen its network appeared first on O2 The Blue.

Source: O2 Blog
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