Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Virgin Media O2’s “up to 2,000” figure was announced in July 2023 for cuts expected by the end of that year—not as a current target. The estimate included around 800 cuts already reported. Vodafone UK and Three UK have since completed their merger, but the available reporting does not establish that the merger caused VMO2 job losses or that VMO2 has approved a new redundancy plan.
What did Virgin Media O2 announce in 2023?
On 25 July 2023, Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) announced plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs by the end of that year. ITV reported that the figure included around 800 job cuts already reported earlier in 2023 and represented about 12% of the company’s workforce at the time. These were announced figures and expectations, not a verified final tally of redundancies completed. ITV News reported the announcement; its coverage of the workforce estimate put the share at about 12%.
Did the Vodafone–Three merger cause more VMO2 layoffs?
There is no evidence in the cited reporting that the merger caused VMO2 redundancies. The two businesses should not be conflated: VMO2 is separate from VodafoneThree, the company formed when Vodafone UK and Three UK completed their merger on 31 May 2025. Vodafone and CK Hutchison announced the completion in a joint statement.
VMO2 does have commercial and network relationships with VodafoneThree. Its annual bond report describes network sharing with Vodafone and a spectrum transfer agreement following the merger. Those arrangements establish a business connection, but do not show that VodafoneThree’s integration has prompted VMO2 job cuts. VodafoneThree’s FY26 results discuss its own integration and network investment, not merger-driven redundancies at VMO2.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal unlocked. Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other prepaid carriers.
- Super-bright, super-smooth 6.7" display. See your screen clearly even outdoors in sunlight, and enjoy seamless views with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display.*
- AI-powered camera system. Take stunning photos in any light with the 50MP camera**, look your best with a 32MP selfie cam*****, and capture extreme close-ups.
- Superfast 5G performance. Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed*** with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost****.
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging. Power through day after day with a 5200mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.****
What is being reported about possible VMO2 cuts in 2026?
August: restructuring described as an option
In August 2026, Cinco Días reported that Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries described restructuring as “una opción muy realista” (“a very realistic option”) in the context of plans to improve cash flow and reduce debt. The remark indicated that restructuring was being considered; it did not confirm a decision or specify a number of jobs. Cinco Días reported the comment.
September: a cost-reduction plan reportedly weighed
In September 2026, Cinco Días, citing a Financial Times report and people familiar with the matter, said Telefónica and Liberty Global were weighing about £600 million in cost reductions. The report said savings could involve staffing as well as lower operating and capital expenditure, and that no formal proposal had been presented to the VMO2 board. This is reported deliberation, not an approved company target or a confirmed redundancy figure. Cinco Días described the reported proposal.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What VMO2’s latest operating figures do—and don’t—show
VMO2’s Q2 2026 results list 5.5 million consumer fixed-line customers, 46.4 million mobile connections and full-fibre coverage reaching 9 million premises. The company said its performance was in line with full-year guidance. These figures provide scale and operating context; they do not establish whether jobs will be cut. VMO2’s Q2 2026 results report the figures.
How to read the job-cut claims
| Claim | Status | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2,000 VMO2 job cuts | Announced in July 2023; expected by year-end 2023 | Included around 800 cuts reported earlier. The final number completed was not established in the cited sources. |
| Vodafone–Three merger | Completed on 31 May 2025 | Vodafone UK and Three UK became VodafoneThree; completion alone does not establish a cause of VMO2 redundancies. |
| Further VMO2 cost reductions | Reported under consideration in 2026 | The September report described about £600 million in contemplated reductions, with staffing among possible areas; it did not establish an approved plan or job count. |
The distinction matters: an announced historical maximum, a reported cost plan being weighed, and a confirmed redundancy programme are different things. The sources establish the first two, not a current approved VMO2 workforce reduction.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
