23 April 2007
Orange is to announce this week that its customers will be able to benefit from free internet usage via their handsets.
Currently, customers pay small charges for use of some services such as accessing news headlines but from this week, these services will become free to use.
In addition, for a small daily or monthly fee, Orange customers will have unlimited internet access. Those who prefer the freedom of just paying as they go can engage in the "snacking" payment option.
Orange is the latest in a line of mobile phone operators to add a monthly or daily subscription for unlimited internet access via the customer's mobile phone as part of a drive to simplify price plans.
T-Mobile and 3 already offer these unlimited services with 3 offering £5 per month tariffs and T-Mobile sporting two price plans - £7.50 per month unlimited browsing on "Web 'n' Walk" or capped at £1 day for all other sessions.
Speaking to The Times, Chris Frost at uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison website, welcomed the new-style "all-you-can-eat" deals being offered by operators, adding that while they were likely to stimulate uptake by consumers, "more compelling products will still be required before 3G becomes mainstream".
Orange's contract customers will be offered either Internet "snacks", where customers pay 30p for 15 minutes usage ( with a daily cap of £1.50) or a "bundle" priced at either £1 per day or £5 monthly for evening/weekends. Finally, Orange offers a £8 monthly "anytime" subscription.
Pay-as-you-go customers will be able to benefit from 3G services too with the internet snacks option costing 40p for 15 mins with a daily cap of £2 or a daily bundle option of £1.
What tariff should you choose? Pay As You Go or contract? Find the best tariff for your budget. uSwitch.com can search available deals and find the one best suited to you. Compare mobile deals and switch online for free.
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