Three UK has decided that enough is enough when it comes to using the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis with smartphones, and is now setting a flat rate of 1p per MB of data used.
Most networks offer a set amount – 500MB, 1GB, 3GB – when it comes to phone contracts, but on pay-as-you-go things are significantly more confusing. Often you’ll need to top up a certain amount to get a set data allowance, or buy a bolt-on in addition to your top-ups, which doesn’t make for ease.
Going forward Three’s payg users will simply incur a 1p charge per megabyte of mobile internet used, and this will come directly out of their current credit, just as a text message or phone call would.
It’s pretty much the cheapest rate going for mobile internet on a pay-as-you-go basis. Rival network O2 charges £6 for a 500MB data bolt-on, whereas using 500MB on Three would equate to £5 of credit.
In addition to dropping prices, Three has assured pay-as-you-go customers that their credit won’t go anywhere provided something – sending a text, making a quick call or loading a webpage – is done once every six months. This is great news for those who want to top up a SIM for very occasional internet usage.
Three will be making the change to all existing payg customers today, with the customer not required to do anything at their end.