O2 is set to shut down its pay-as-you-go data-only mobile SIM services at the end of the month, leaving customers looking for alternatives.These SIMs offer internet data with a fixed validity period but exclude calls and texts. Options range from £3 for 1GB of data valid for 24 hours to £30 for 12GB lasting an entire year.

The telecom giant has confirmed that these specific SIMs will no longer be available after January 31. Customers must use their remaining data before the cut-off date or contact O2 customer services on 0344 8090222 for a refund.

For those wishing to remain with O2, the company advises switching to a pay monthly data SIM plan, which comes in various durations including 30-day, 12-month, or 24-month contracts. This move follows ISPreview’s report that O2 had stopped selling these SIMs to new customers since August.

Impacted O2 users should have received an email stating: “We’re sorry to let you know that we’re removing our Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband and iPad services from our portfolio on January 31, 2025. Our customer account management portal will be closing on December 17, 2024. You can continue to use your service until January 31, 2025, after which time your service shall cease.”

An O2 spokesperson said: “On 31 January we are removing our PAYG Mobile Broadband and iPad services, which have not been available for new customers since August. We have recently written to the small proportion of customers who will be impacted by this change and they can contact us directly should they require any further information or support. O2 customers can continue to benefit from a wide range of great-value PAYM SIMs across iPad, tablets and mobile broadband.”

This development follows Virgin Media O2’s announcement that it has rolled out its National Databank initiative across all UK stores. The programme offers individuals facing financial hardship a complimentary O2 SIM, complete with 25GB of data every month for a year, in addition to cost-free messaging and calling services.

O2 says that this move will enable those in need to access vital online resources, allowing them to carry out essential activities such as scheduling medical appointments, submitting job applications, and taking online education. The National Databank help is open to all, regardless of whether they’re current O2 users, providing support specifically to those with limited income.

Qualifying participants receive regular top-up alerts via text, which include a unique code to top-up their SIM data balance.