Mobile phone retailer Phones 4U has gone into administration putting a number of jobs in the area at risk.
The chain, which has stores in Letchworth, Stevenage and Hitchin, said its 550 stores would all be closed today, Monday.
Phones 4U blamed the move on mobile network EE’s decision not to renew its contract, which followed a similar move from Vodafone earlier in September.
Phones 4U executive David Kassler said: “Today is a very sad day for our customers and our staff.
“If the mobile network operators decline to supply us, we do not have a business.
“A good company making profits of over £100m, employing thousands of decent people has been forced into administration.
“The great service we have provided should have guaranteed a strong future, but unfortunately our network partners have decided otherwise.
“The ultimate result will be less competition, less choice and higher prices for mobile customers in UK.”
Staff were asked to report to work as normal this morning.
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