The United Kingdom grocery giant has confirmed that its mobile network service will close down permanently as of January 15, 2016.
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Sainsbury’s told customers that pay-as-you-go users would be able to top up in-store and online until 14 November 2015, and will be able to continue to use existing credit until the shutdown date.
Pay monthly customers won’t have to do anything – except find a new operator of course.
The company has also emphasised that despite the shutters coming down once again it will be continuing to sell handsets in its 300 stores nationwide.
According to Engadget, the company began removing marketing materials from its stores yesterday, and is now contacting customers regarding the move.
The speculation is Vodafone is looking to pull out of the MVNO market entirely – presumably as it wants to encourage customers to join its own network.
Mobile by Sainsbury’s offered a range of cheaper contracts for cost-conscious users, as well as ubiquitous Nectar reward points.
A spokeswoman added that the supermarket remains committed to mobile given its importance to customers.
United Kingdom supermarket chain Sainsbury’s on Wednesday revealed it will stop offering MVNO services after just two years, after talks with host network Vodafone reportedly broke down.
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TechWeekEurope understands Sainsbury’s is believed to be disappointed by the failure to secure an agreement, having been satisfied by the MVNO’s performance with consumers, but Vodafone did not think the project was viable.
