wraggster
June 11th, 2010, 00:18
O2 is the latest big mobile operator to axe its unlimited data tariffs, following US carrier AT&T's similar decision.
O2 is describing its change as "a more transparent pricing model tied to usage", and claims that 97% of its customers won't need to buy additional data allowances based on their current usage.
The operator's smartphone tariffs - all for 24-month contracts - start at £25 which includes 100 minutes of voice calls, unlimited texts and 500MB of data.
The most expensive is the £60-a-month tariff, which includes unlimited voice calls and texts, and 1GB of data. All the tariffs include unlimited Wi-Fi connectivity via partnerships with The Cloud and BT OpenZone.
The new tariffs apply to all new and upgrading O2 smartphone customers, including iPhone owners. The operator already applies a data cap to its iPad tariffs - the most expensive £15 monthly option offers 3GB of data.
Unlimited data will continue be offered to smartphone customers as a promotion until 1 October, but after that, people going over their data limit will have to spend £5 per 500MB extra as a Bolt-On.
O2 claims that 500MB is two and a half times the average O2 customer's current use, although it's not clear if the operator means the average smartphone customer with that stat - an important distinction.
"We know that customers are looking for clarity in pricing as too many offers have clauses and catches which are not easy to understand," says CEO Ronan Dunne.
"With the wide range of Internet based services now available on mobile devices we’re providing customers with generous clear data bundles that give customers freedom. This enables us to provide a better overall experience for the vast majority of customers and to better manage demand."
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/37445/Now-O2-ditches-unlimited-data
O2 is describing its change as "a more transparent pricing model tied to usage", and claims that 97% of its customers won't need to buy additional data allowances based on their current usage.
The operator's smartphone tariffs - all for 24-month contracts - start at £25 which includes 100 minutes of voice calls, unlimited texts and 500MB of data.
The most expensive is the £60-a-month tariff, which includes unlimited voice calls and texts, and 1GB of data. All the tariffs include unlimited Wi-Fi connectivity via partnerships with The Cloud and BT OpenZone.
The new tariffs apply to all new and upgrading O2 smartphone customers, including iPhone owners. The operator already applies a data cap to its iPad tariffs - the most expensive £15 monthly option offers 3GB of data.
Unlimited data will continue be offered to smartphone customers as a promotion until 1 October, but after that, people going over their data limit will have to spend £5 per 500MB extra as a Bolt-On.
O2 claims that 500MB is two and a half times the average O2 customer's current use, although it's not clear if the operator means the average smartphone customer with that stat - an important distinction.
"We know that customers are looking for clarity in pricing as too many offers have clauses and catches which are not easy to understand," says CEO Ronan Dunne.
"With the wide range of Internet based services now available on mobile devices we’re providing customers with generous clear data bundles that give customers freedom. This enables us to provide a better overall experience for the vast majority of customers and to better manage demand."
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/37445/Now-O2-ditches-unlimited-data