3 UK launches low-cost mobile broadband tariffs

Mobile operator 3 UK is working on an upgrade to its network that will enable business and consumer users to surf the web at speeds of up to 2.8Mbps for as little as 10 a month.

The new mobile broadband tariffs will be officially launched early next month as part of 3's phased migration to a new 'Turbo' network, which the company hopes will result in 85 per cent coverage in the UK by the end of this year.

Once launched, those signing up to the service will be able to get data consumption allowances of 1GB (Broadband Lite), 3GB (Broadband Plus) and 7GB (Broadband Max) for a monthly fee of 10, 15 or 25 respectively. They'll be charged 10p a megabyte for any data usage that takes them over their allocated limit.

3 reckons that a 1GB package will give users around 40 hours' worth of web surfing, 280 text emails and 80 music downloads and 20 hours of video streaming.

Users keen to take advantage of the new tariffs will also need to purchase a USB modem, which will result in an up-front, one-off fee ranging from free to 99 for new customers and free to 79 for existing customers, depending on the data usage bundle and length of contract selected.

"Mobile Broadband from 3 means you can take the internet with you wherever you are," said John Penberthy-Smith, marketing director at 3 UK. "We've priced it to make it outstanding value for money; accessible to everyone, not just men in grey suits!"

The mobile giant's new offerings compare very favourably and are at least 200 cheaper for an 18-month contract when comparing the total cost of ownership (TCO) to competitors T-Mobile and Vodafone, according to 3, which has priced their packages at 522 and 528.84 respectively compared to its own price of 319.