O2 SIMs will switch to public WiFi if its network can't cope
O2's public WiFi hotspots can be useful in a pinch, but filling out the obligatory registration forms to gain access has always been a pain. To speed up the process, the network is introducing a new service called O2 WiFi Extra, which automatically connects customers with an O2 SIM card. That means no SMS verification codes, or even looking through your network settings for the correct WiFi hotspot. The catch? Once the feature has been enabled, you'll be connected to them automatically if "the WiFi signal is stronger than O2's 3G or 4G network." It's not clear exactly how the company defines signal strength, and if you don't like the service, O2's only advice seems to be disabling WiFi entirely.
To be eligible, you'll first need a compatible smartphone, which includes flagships such as the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Note 4. O2's free WiFi hotspots are available in 11,000 locations across the UK, including McDonald's, Costa Coffee and Debenhams. The new service will roll out over the next two months, so keep your eyes peeled the next time you're struggling to refresh Twitter over 3G or 4G.
[Image Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images]
