LONDON-U.K. newcomer Hutchison 3G U.K. will slash prices for its third-generation services beginning Monday. The two new service packages offer up to a 50-percent savings compared with similar plans on the market.
With VideoTalk 500, users get 500 voice minutes for $41.50 per month. For the first three months, the package will include a $16.60 “allowance” for making video calls, sending video messages and downloading video clips. It also includes 25 text messages per month for the first three months.
The VideoTalk 750 plan offers 750 voice minutes for $58 per month. For the first three months, the package includes a $33 allowance for video services and 50 text messages. With both plans, users can send and read e-mail and view selected content free through the end of August.
“Since we started offering services three months ago, we’ve focused on a particular segment of the market, and we’ve been successful in that segment,” said Bob Fuller chief executive officer of 3. “Now with these two price options, we’re broadening that focus to a wider audience. We want more people to enjoy the benefits of video mobile.”
Analysts said the price cuts were aimed at boosting the W-CDMA operator’s sluggish U.K. sales. The most recent figures stood at about 25,000 3G handsets sold in the United Kingdom. Industry watchers said rival operators in the United Kingdom will come under pressure from the price cuts.
In other 3 U.K. news, the operator said it launched its network in Northern England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, completing full deployment of its 3G service. Nokia supplied the equipment.
