Text messages taking ages to arrive...

[petelobus]

Since I was migrated to O2 from Virgin, text messages, especially from non O2 subscribers have been taking ages - hours - to arrive. This has severe implications for things like online banking (and access to my O2 account). Is there anything I can do, or should I change service provider?

[pgn]

Changing provider or network should only be done after you have checked the service from that new provider in places you frequently need phone service, by getting a PAYG card from that provider and testing out performance for a few days.

If your move to O2 came along with a new O2-branded SIM card, @petelobus, it is recommended to start using that SIM card in your phone. If you need help, or no SIM was sent, pop into an O2 Shop with photo-id, your phone and any SIM you may have received, and let them get you up an running.  Remember to test SMS reception while you are in the store.

Good luck!

[petelobus]

 Thanks for that PGM. However a visit to the O2 shop is not easy for me - best part of half a day for the round trip, and I'm not sure what they can do.

I still use the SIM card supplied by Virgin - the changeover was supposed to be seamless! What I don't understand is why, in the same location, using the same network, and the same phone the delivery of text messages has become so degraded. The signal here is admittedly poor to awful, but I used to get text messages within a few minutes of being sent about 95% of the time. Now it is almost reversed in that most of the messages take at least an hour, and I am surprised when one arrives promptly!

[pgn · Accepted solution]

Guide: How can I sort out my network issues? and Guide: Text Message Tips (not sent or received) 

contains standard checks you can do, and if you cannot get to an O2 Shop, then your best bet is to try calling 202 - best times to call are around now, @petelobus.

You can also contact O2 via Facebook or Twitter, the link just below this post has the details. Good luck!