O2 UK has unveiled new data pricing plans which will be introduced on 24 June when the iPhone 4 is officially launched. The three inclusive data bundles include 500 MB, 750 MB and 1 GB and will be available with monthly price plans that range from GBP25 to GBP60. Based on current usage patterns, 97% of O2 UK smartphone customers do not exceed the lowest bundle (500 MB), which provides at least 2.5 times the average O2 customer’s current use. The new data bundles plans are aimed at new and upgrading customers.

O2 today announced plans for data pricing for new and upgrading mobile customers which gives customers a more transparent pricing model tied to usage.

CEO Ronan Dunne said: “We know that customers are looking for clarity in pricing as too many offers have clauses and catches which are not easy to understand. 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.”

Based on current usage patterns, 97% of O2 smartphone customers would not need to buy additional data allowances, as the lowest bundle (500MB) provides at least 2.5 times the average O2 customer’s current use.

From 24 June, O2 will introduce three inclusive data bundles for new and upgrading smartphone customers. For example: 

New and upgrading customers will continue to receive unlimited data as a promotion until 1 October. From that date, they will be able to buy additional data Bolt Ons which include 500MB for £5 or 1GB for £10 and O2 will ensure customers have the ability to easily monitor their use by sending them regular text messages.

All O2 customers will continue to receive unlimited Wi-Fi through The Cloud and BT Openzone hotspots. Existing customers will continue under their present terms, unlimited data usage with an Excessive Use Policy.

Ronan Dunne concluded “By doing this, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable data experience for all customers and the huge possibilities that technology will create over the coming years.”

Typical data usage (examples only)

About O2 UK

• Telefónica O2 UK Limited is a leading communications company for consumers and businesses in the UK, with 21.4 million mobile customers and over 600,000 fixed broadband customers as at 31 March 2010.
• Telefónica O2 UK Limited is part of Telefónica Europe plc, a business division of Telefónica S.A. which uses O2 as its commercial brand in the UK, Ireland, Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic, and has over 53.9 million customers across these markets.
• In 2006 Telefónica Europe acquired Be, the UK fixed broadband provider, and in October 2007 O2 launched its broadband service using the Be network.
• O2 is the naming rights partner of The O2, the world-class entertainment venue
• O2 employs around 12,000 people in the UK and has 490 retail stores.
• O2 was ranked highest in customer satisfaction for both UK mobile and fixed broadband customers according to the J.D. Power and Associates UK Mobile and Fixed Broadband Studies 2009.
• O2 was launched on 1 May 2002 and now has more customers than any other UK mobile network.
• O2’s UK mobile network covers 99% of the UK’s population. O2’s 3G network covers over 84% of the UK population and is fully HSDPA-enabled, providing speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps for customers with an HSDPA-enabled device.
• Telefónica Europe also owns 50% of Tesco Mobile, which operates in the UK and Ireland, and 50% of Tchibo Mobilfunk in Germany.