Commenting on the launch of O2 and Vodafone’s new 4G tariffs and the impact of Three’s no premium for the service at launch in December, Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, says:“Talk about a headstart. As Vodafone and O2’s low-key launches roll out 4G to one and three cities respectively, EE marks bringing superfast mobile internet to their hundredth in the UK. When it comes to coverage, EE wins hands down – the other networks certainly have some catching up to do. To add to fuel to the fire, Three has announced that it will launch its own 4G service in December.
“But while all three networks offer freebies ranging from 2-4-1 cinema tickets to Sky Sports and streaming music with O2 Tracks, Three has kept it simple. The web-savvy provider will deliver 4G at no extra cost, in the hope that offering the service with no premium – as well as the freedom of unlimited data and no hassle in getting set up – will outweigh perks from the competition.
“EE’s 4G services start at £21, while Vodafone’s and O2’s start at £26. This will get 1GB of mobile data with EE and O2, but twice as much with Vodafone who also offer customers unlimited data for their first three months. Those signing up to O2 prior to 31st October can benefit from a ‘double data’ introductory offer for their top-end tariffs, as well as a three month trial period within which customers can downgrade if not satisfied.
“While pricing between current competition looks pretty similar across the board, Three certainly intends to spark a price war by offering unlimited data from just £15 a month on a SIM-only plan. And with almost seven in ten consumers (68%) surveyed by Uswitch worried about racing through their allowances on 4G, Three’s offering could be just what data hungry smartphone lovers are looking for.
“Will Three’s lower cost be enough to convince customers that 4G is worth the wait? It won’t launch until December – and even then in just three cities. But with all four players now having shown their hand, some consumers may choose to play the waiting game to see if things become any more competitive.
“While there is certainly much more than simply the monthly cost to consider when making the decision – coverage is key when choosing the right network – we hope that networks begin to fight with a little more heart in order to convince customers in making the leap to 4G.”
|
Network
|
Three
|
£6.90
|
500 MB
|
200/ 5000
|
N/A
| |
EE
|
£21
|
500 MB
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Clone phone lite (back up service), EE Film, including EE Wednesdays, Unlimited WiFi, fast track customer service and access to discounted Fibre Broadband
| |
Three
|
£9.90
|
1 GB
|
600/ 5000
|
N/A
| |
Three
|
£15
|
Unlimited
|
2000/ 5000
|
N/A
| |
EE
|
£26
|
1 GB
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Clone phone lite (back up service), EE Film, including EE Wednesdays, Unlimited WiFi, fast track customer service and access to discounted Fibre Broadband
| |
Vodafone
|
£26
|
2 GB (unlimited for 3 months)
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Sky Sports 1&2 OR Spotify Premium (for 6 months)
| |
O2
|
£26
|
1 GB
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
O2 Tracks for 12 months; Priority Sports; Exclusive online gaming
| |
EE
|
£31
|
3 GB
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Clone phone lite (back up service), EE Film, including EE Wednesdays, Unlimited WiFi, fast track customer service and access to discounted Fibre Broadband
| |
Vodafone
|
£31
|
4 GB (unlimited for 3 months)
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Sky Sports 1&2 OR Spotify Premium
| |
O2
|
£31
|
3 GB (5 GB for 12 months if sign up before 31.10.13)
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
O2 Tracks for 12 months; Priority Sports; Exclusive online gaming
| |
EE
|
£36
|
5 GB
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Clone phone lite (back up service), EE Film, including EE Wednesdays, Unlimited WiFi, fast track customer service and access to discounted Fibre Broadband
| |
Vodafone
|
£36
|
8 GB (unlimited for 3 months)
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Sky Sports 1&2 OR Spotify Premium
| |
O2
|
£36
|
5 GB (8 GB for 12 months if sign up before 31.10.13)
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
O2 Tracks for 12 months; Priority Sports; Exclusive online gaming
| |
EE
|
£41
|
8 GB
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Clone phone lite (back up service), EE Film, including EE Wednesdays, Unlimited WiFi, fast track customer service, access to discounted Fibre Broadband and free music (Deezer), film or TV add on.
| |
EE
|
£61
|
20 GB
|
Unlimited/ unlimited
|
Clone phone lite (back up service), EE Film, including EE Wednesdays, Unlimited WiFi, fast track customer service, access to discounted Fibre Broadband and free music (Deezer), film or TV add on.
|
Katherine Moss
Phone: 020 3021 5893
Email: katherine.moss@uswitch.com
Twitter: @uswitchPR
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