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MILLIONS of Vodafone and Three customers are set for a huge boost to their mobile signal as the newly-merged mega network reveals its £11billion grand plans.

A major improvement to services will start for more than seven million users of Three and its budget sub-brand SMARTY in just two weeks time.

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The £16.5billion tie-up makes VodafoneThree the UK’s biggest mobile network[/caption]

PA

Both brands will continue to co-exist – but there are some changes coming[/caption]

Customers will receive a 20 per cent average speed uplift on 4G.

And within a few months, 27million mobile subscribers across both Vodafone and Three will benefit from better signal with shared access across both networks at no extra cost, the new joint VodafoneThree firm claims.

This will eradicate dreaded “not spots” from 16,500 sq/km of the country – the equivalent to 10x the size of London.

VodafoneThree has confirmed that its various brands will remain separate.

This not only includes Vodafone and Three, but also VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile which piggyback on their network kit.

However, Vodafone will be the only brand for business customers.

“A new era of connectivity has begun,” said Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree.

“We will connect every nation, every community, in every corner of the UK.

“We will build the UK’s best 5G network with an unprecedented £11bn privately funded infrastructure project, laying the digital foundation for our country’s growth ambitions.”

The network is pledging to bring 99.95 per cent of the population 5G Standalone – the fastest version of 5G speed around – by 2034.

And by this time next year, bosses are planning to launch trials of space-based satellite mobile network coverage too to eliminate even more “not spots”.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I’m delighted that this huge investment is being made in mobile phone network infrastructure, better connecting people with families, loved ones and work by providing stronger, more widespread 5G coverage.”

BROADBAND SHAKE-UP

Changes are afoot for broadband services too.

Three’s brand will disappear from its mobile broadband over the next 12 months and brought together with Vodafone’s Full Fibre, all under the Vodafone name.

The firm has announced a new partnership with Community Fibre on top of existing deals with CityFibre and Openreach.

Two extra customer care centres are opening in Belfast and Sheffield as well, bringing 400 jobs back to the UK.

Vodafone and Three both operate their own stores across the country but the company says it has “no planned retail redundancies”.

The £16.5billion tie-up makes VodafoneThree the UK’s biggest mobile network.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column is being kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

You may think you are sailing through a set of tasks, thanks to Saturn – but Neptune is now also on team Aries, and asking you to stop, look and listen.

A better set of steps may ask more but reward you more too, especially emotionally.

Love and money could set each other off so try to keep them apart.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

The first step on a journey can be the hardest – but you’ve spent a long time planning this and you are ready.

As soon as you start, you can feel how right this route is for you, so start now.

In love? Two names can find a unique way to become one.

Single? The One waits at desk number one.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Switching off your ever-busy mind and tuning in to the rhythms of your body can set up a day of peaceful togetherness.

Overthinking may have created a distance between partners that spontaneity can easily close.

If you’re single, ignoring a physical pull towards someone so different could be a mistake.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Your fresh and sparkling Jupiter personality is a lot more outgoing – test this out when a chance appears to speak, or maybe sing, in public.

You also have a gift for seeing straight through a love list of “maybes” and landing on a name that could change your world.

But do keep your attention focused on just one.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

When you need to work hard, you can and you will – but this must be your own decision.

A set of demands that are coming your way right now may feel hard to handle.

Focus on your own inner feelings.

In love? A fantasy date can be written into reality.

Single? Love crosses a finish line.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Maybe a parent-child bond isn’t always perfect – but it is unique.

Remember this if you are tempted to compare stories with a stranger.

Making sure forms are properly filled in comes naturally to you – consider taking this skill in the direction of a new career or maybe even your own business at some point.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Disrupter planet Pluto has an impact on you in ways you may resist at first[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

The more convinced you may be that you have found The One – in terms of love or work, or maybe property – the more you should make sure you do the right research.

Jupiter enthusiasm can cause you to get carried away – so tick all your boxes first, then share your excitement.

Luck circles “R”.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Guided by the moon in your chart, make the time to contact someone you have been thinking about a lot.

Whatever happened in the past, the future can be good, if you allow yourself to try.

You could be a little gung-ho about physical risks, so beware of saying “yes” before you check everything out.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

You might suddenly care about a cost that has never bothered you before.

This can be because of who is connected to this cash, and what they really mean to you.

Exploring this further is easier when you bounce off a trusted friend.

A delayed call may annoy you, but do find out the cause.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

You usually avoid emotional insight if you can – but now is the time to go deeper into it.

All the reasons why certain people have surprised or shocked you can start to become clear when you let yourself ask the questions you usually swerve.

You can discover so much that’s great about yourself through this process.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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A work bond may be unpredictable, but it’s good for you to be challenged[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

You recognise how much power a work secret could give you – and this is why you need to share it.

You can achieve success in the right way, not by short cuts or sly moves – and the result will mean so much more.

On the question of love, a bond may seem boring, but so much is happening under the surface.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

When friends who love to create things together form a team, victory in a competition can be within their grasp – but the best prize is the deepening of bonds and trust.

Venus helps you hear the truth in words of love, even if it is concealed by haste or hesitation.

The luck factor links to names with a double “L”.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

A WARNING has been issued to shoppers over a quick payment option that can cost £1,000s.

Which? is urging caution over use of the “pay by bank” feature which lacks key consumer protection.

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Which? has issued a warning over the “pay by bank” payment feature[/caption]

The payment feature lets shoppers pay for products without the need to enter bank details or use a card.

It is used by popular online retailers such as WHSmith, Just Eat, Funky Pigeon and Ryanair.

You can also use it to settle credit card balances or pay bills.

However, Which? has raised concerns people may be unaware it can leave them unprotected if something goes wrong with a purchase.

The option lacks Section 75 and chargeback protections that shoppers get when paying through other methods.

Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, a credit card company can be held jointly liable for a purchase that turns out to be shoddy or does not materialise.

This means a shopper can potentially get a refund from the credit card company if they cannot recover their costs from a retailer.

Those using a debit card or credit card for purchases can also potentially get their money back via the chargeback scheme.

Which? said pay by bank is a “potential game changer” for businesses as they can sidestep card transaction fees and also benefit from receiving customer funds immediately.

There is also appeal for shoppers as refunds can be processed instantly.

While card details are not shared when making a transaction – eliminating the risk of them being stolen or compromised.

People do have general purchase rights under the Consumer Rights Act, meaning that goods must be fit for purpose, as described and of satisfactory quality.

But Which? said these protections are not always easy to enforce and in some cases may end up with people needing to go to a small claims court.

People may also face difficulties in the event of a business going bust.

This could particularly be the case if there is an issue with a future-dated purchase such as a flight, a festival, or a household big ticket purchase such as a kitchen or a sofa.

Jenny Ross, Which? money editor, said: “Innovations like pay by bank present opportunities for businesses and consumers alike, but they’re not without risk, particularly as they lack the rigorous purchase protections you get when paying by card.

“We’re calling on the regulator to act to ensure consumers can use pay by bank with confidence, but in the meantime, we’d urge consumers to think carefully before using it to book events or make substantial purchases – for now, your good old-fashioned credit or debit card may be the best option.”

A spokesperson for banking and finance industry body UK Finance said: “There are a range of options for making payments online which provides customers with choice as to how they wish to pay.

“Different payment methods do come with different levels of protection and it’s worth being aware of these when shopping online, particularly when making higher value purchases.”

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

TEMPLEGATE takes on Thursday’s action looking for winners.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

HICKORY (4.25 Newbury, nap)

Jamie Osborne’s flyer was a game winner of Ascot’s Victoria Cup before getting a bump at the start at Sandown last time. That meant he was way out the back before flying home to hit the frame. He could do with another win to secure his place in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot and has every chance.

HARRYELLA (8.00 Chelmsford, nb)

Was an impressive winner on his last visit to this Essex track and didn’t get a clear run when second at Wolverhampton last time. He’s got more to offer and this longer trip will suit in-form James Fanshawe’s hopeful.

DEEP WATER BAY (4.33 Nottingham, treble)

Was a typical Sir Mark Prescott improver when winning on handicap debut when stepping up in trip. He has an extra quarter-mile in front of him today which should see him take another big leap forward.

Templegate’s tips

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

ANANDA Lewis, the Talk show and 90s MTV host, has died after a long battle with breast cancer.

Her sister confirmed the news today in a heartbreaking post on Instagram.

She said: “She’s free and in his heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.”

In 2020, Ananda revealed she had been diagnosed with stage three cancer.

She said she had not been getting regular mammograms due to a fear of radiation.

In 2024, the late TV host revealed her cancer had reached stage four after she went against medical advice and refused a double mastectomy.

Ananda rose to fame in the late 90s when she landed a role as one of MTV’s VJ’s where she hosted the likes of Total Request Live and Hot Zone.

In 1999, The New York Times described her as “the hip-hop generation’s reigning It Girl.”

She left MTV in 2001 to host her own talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show.

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Ananda Lewis has died aged 52[/caption]

TAKING a progesterone-only contraceptive pill for more than five years is linked to an increased risk of a life-threatening brain tumour, say scientists.

Desogestrel is a synthetic progestogen hormone used in oral contraceptives, specifically the progestogen-only pill (POP) or mini-pill.

Science Photo Library - Getty

Long-term use of desogestrel has been linked to intracranial meningiomas[/caption]

While it offers several benefits beyond preventing pregnancy, such as regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing heavy or painful periods, new research suggests taking it continuously for more than five years is linked to a small increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma.

An intracranial meningioma is a tumour that develops from the meninges, the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. 

These tumours are typically benign (non-cancerous) and slow-growing.

But they can be life-threatening depending on size, location, and growth rate.

The tumours are more common in older women, but previous studies lack information on the specific type of progestogen used – and risk has not been measured for continuous, current, and long term use.

In the study from France published by The BMJ, researchers set out to assess the real-life risk of the brain tumour and short-term (less than a year) and prolonged (one to seven or more years) use of oral contraceptives containing desogestrel 75µg, levonorgestrel 30µg, or levonorgestrel 50-150 µg combined with oestrogen.

Their findings were based on data from the French national health data system (SNDS) for 8,391 women who had undergone surgery for intracranial meningioma in 2020-2023.

Each case was matched to 10 control women without meningioma of the same age and area of residence. 

The results showed a small increased risk associated with use of desogestrel for more than five continuous years.

An increased risk wasn’t found for shorter durations or when desogestrel had been discontinued for more than one year.

The risk was greater in women older than 45 and after prolonged use of one of the known high risk progestogens before desogestrel.

Although the researchers added the risk disappeared one year after stopping taking the pill.

It was estimated that 67,000 women would need to use desogestrel for one woman to need surgery for intracranial meningioma, and 17,000 women if current use was for more than five years. 

No increased risk was found for levonorgestrel, alone or combined with oestrogen, regardless of duration of use.

The researchers suggested desogestrel be discontinued if an intracranial meningioma is identified and patients monitored rather than undergoing immediate surgery.

LOVE Island fans have been left furious after a huge part of the show went missing on tonight’s episode.

It was another drama-packed edition of the ITV2 dating series with this year’s Islanders wasting no time in stirring up trouble with one another.

Shutterstock Editorial

Love Island fans were left annoyed as a huge show feature was ditched[/caption]

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Snogs were being dished out left, right and centre with plenty of couple-swapping on the horizon.

However, fans were left more irritated after an iconic feature was pulled from the episode.

As the show ended on a Hideaway cliffhanger with Blu’s shock snog with Shakira, fans were left on the edges of their seats hoping for a preview of the fallout.

But the usual ‘tomorrow night’ preview was scrapped and the programme instead cut straight to the end credits.

Narrator Iain Stirling has become known for his teased catchphrase but fans were not treated to that delight this evening.

It left viewers wanting more as they raced to X – formerly Twitter – to share their annoyance.

Reacting in disappointment, one fan said: “I hate when they don’t give us a tomorrow night.”

Another then added: “NAH sorry where is our. ‘Tomorrow on love island‘.”

A third wrote: “Erm?!!! Where’s the tomorrow night preview ???

“Don’t Introduce us to a vibe you cannot maintain pls.”

Someone else said: “What no tomorrow night?? Kmt.”

It comes as fans were left discussing the eight-year age gap between the show’s newest couple, Harry and Shakira.

Things got rather steamy between the two but viewers took to social media to share their thoughts on the fact Shakira is 22 while Harry is 30. 

One wrote: “Shakira is 22???  Get her away from Harry and his 30 year old a** immediately!!”

Someone else said: “I just deeped the age gap with Shakira and Harry…” 

And another commented: “Harry and Shakira look good together but he is 30.”

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Eroteme

A mother and her 10-year-old child have allegedly been stabbed by a 59-year-old woman in a horrific road rage incident.

The 20 storey tower sold for $100 million just over five years ago. Property watchers expect the new sale price will be a major guage for the EQ precinct

Hopeful travellers can book return flights to popular international destinations at discounted rates in this massive sale.