O2 has just introduced a new mobile data model – and it seems the company is dropping its unlimited data plans – apparently in preparation for the launch of the iPhone 4.
From 24 June (which is iPhone 4 launch day, coincidentally), O2 will offer a trio of inclusive data bundles for new and upgrading customers. For example, if you sign up to a new 24-month smartphone contract at £25 per month, you’ll get 500MB of data per month. £40 per month will get you a 750MB data allowance, while you’ll need to be on a massive £60 per month tariff to get 1GB. There are no longer any unlimited data plans available.
Existing unlimited data customers sticking to their current plan will still receive the same service as they do now, at least until 1 October. They’ll then be able to buy O2 Bolt Ons which include 500MB of data for £5, or 1GB for £10. Of course, these customers won’t be able to use their existing SIMs in a new iPhone 4.
So, yes, if you do get your iPhone 4 through O2 you’re not going to have an unlimited data plan. We asked the company if the decision was due to the arrival of Apple’s new mobile, but a spokesperson referred us to the statement in the press release citing “more transparent pricing” as the cause. But it does seem like one heck of a coincidence.
O2’s press release also points out that 500MB of data is 2.5 times that used by the average customer, and that the dropping of unlimited data bundles would leave 97 percent of its customers unaffected, based on current usage patterns.
Out 24 June | £varies | O2
