SERVICE AXED
EE to scrap special service used by thousands with Apple devices within DAYS – what it means for you
Plus, we've explained how to cut your telecom bills
EE is scrapping a special service used by thousands of customers within days
Since 2018, thousands of customers at the network have been able to use their mobile numbers to make and receive calls across all their Apple devices without needing their iPhones nearby.
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EE's "Smart Number" technology allows users to connect multiple devices, such as iPads and MacBooks, to a single phone number.
This enables calls and texts to be made and received on these devices without needing their iPhones nearby.
For example, if a customer leaves their smartphone at home and wishes to travel light, they can still make and receive calls and messages using their other connected devices.
However, EE has confirmed that this service will be scrapped from December 9.
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Customers who use the service have now received emails that read: "Hi, We wanted to let you know that, from December 9, you'll no longer be able to use your EE shared number service on MacBooks and iPads.
"We're sorry for any inconvenience caused by this update."
Insiders told that dwindling user numbers and low call volumes for the Smart Number service could be behind EE's decision to drop support for these devices.
An EE spokesperson added: "From December 9, 2024, the ability to use our shared number service on MacBook and iPad devices will longer be available on the EE network.
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"We're committed to offering a range of services for our customers so always review our portfolio on a regular basis.
"Any customers affected by this update have been notified via SMS."
O2 Ends Pay-As-You-Go Data and iPad SIM Services: What You Need to Know
THE ALTERNATIVE
Customers who still want to make and receive calls and texts across their Apple devices can continue to do so using the company's own technology.
iCloud Wi-Fi Calling enables users to make and receive calls using their iPhone's phone number on any of their Apple devices
Additionally, it enables you to make and receive calls in areas with little or no mobile coverage, as long as your devices are connected to Wi-Fi.
To enable Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
To add another device to use WiFi calling toggle Add Wi-Fi Calling for Other Devices.
To find out more, visit support.apple.com/en-gb/108066.
CUT YOUR TELECOM COSTS
SWITCHING contracts is one of the single best ways to save money on your mobile, broadband and TV bills.
But if you can't switch mid-contract without facing a penalty, you'd be best to hold off until it's up for renewal.
But don't just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you're currently paying.
Take a look at your minutes and texts, as well as your data usage, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you're a heavy internet user, it's worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don't have to spend extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available.
It's a known fact that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, allowances and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
However, if you don't want to switch and are happy with the service you're getting under your current provider - haggle for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you're given after your deal.
If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time.
Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won't have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels.
It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers.
Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider.
If your provider won't haggle, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don't want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
It's also worth investigating social tariffs. These deals have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
OTHER TELECOM CHANGES
O2 is set to shut down its pay-as-you-go data and iPad SIM services in January.
The decision follows recent reports by , which revealed that O2 had already stopped selling these SIMs to new customers in August.
However, existing users have been dealt a major blow with the announcement that the service will be discontinued entirely on January 31, 2025.
Plusnet, part of the BT Group, permanently closed its mobile arm in June.
Plusnet is also in the process of axing its landline services for good.
The telecoms firm told The Sun that it will no longer offer home phone services to existing customers once analogue services are switched off.
This means that customers who still want landline phone service in the future will be forced to move to a different telephone company that offers a digital service.
It comes as all copper-based phone lines will be switched off by the end of December 2025.
Telecom firms have also faced criticism for implementing mid-contract price rises on fixed contracts that exceed inflation over the past four years.
Due to clauses in contracts, providers are allowed to impose annual increases, typically in April.
These hikes are linked to either the Consumer Price Index or Retail Price Index inflation rate, which has surged during the cost-of-living crisis.
As a result, millions of customers experienced increases of up to 8.8% this year, adding as much as £50 to their bills.
However, from January 17 2025, Ofcom will require telecom firms to display mid-contract price increases in pounds and pence.
The rules are designed to protect customers by ensuring they know exactly how much their contract will increase before they sign up.
Instead of being linked to inflation, which can fluctuate, the price rises will be clearly stated in pounds and pence.
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However, some experts have slammed the rule change for "unfairly" impacting customers on cheaper contracts.
In August, The Sun revealed that millions of mobile and broadband customers on cheaper contracts will be hit by huge bill rises under the new mechanism.
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