O2 reveals its 4G plans

Commenting on O2’s new tariffs ahead of the launch of 4G on 29th August, Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, says: “O2 has finally entered the 4G fray by announcing its own range of competitive plans, but it seems to have fallen slightly short. As with the offerings from EE and Vodafone, O2’s vanilla 4G plans start at £26 a month. This will get you the same 1GB of mobile data as found on EE, but only half that of Vodafone’s 4G Red entry package.

“But those able to take advantage of an introductory offer can more than double their data on the higher tier plans, and combine with a three month guarantee within which customers can downgrade if not happy, phone fans on O2 will get a chance to test-drive 4G and discover its real potential.

“However, this plan is only available for those signing up before the end of October, so those who aren’t able to receive 4G in their town by then could face a ‘catch-22’ situation – sign up to a service they can’t use to get more data, or hold out but receive a smaller allowance when they can finally get access to it.

“But O2’s Refresh plans do provide a clear option which is suited to the early adopter in terms of both price plan and flexibility – access to the latest handsets at any time from as little as £22 per month (plus the handset cost itself) could prove a convincing proposition to those willing to take the plunge as soon as possible.

“However, O2 has also upped the ante in terms of benefits for customers in order to make 4G seem compelling. As well as the usual perks that the network offers – such as Priority Moments and Wi-Fi hotspots – O2’s 4G customers will be able to have access to free music for 12 months with ‘O2 Tracks’ as well as access to multiplayer online gaming, with the latter not eating into their data allowance.

“While Vodafone has bought big names like Sky Sports and Spotify to the 4G table, O2’s own-brand online offerings run the risk of seeming like a budget alternative to consumers. Without price tags for these services to easily justify the premium, O2 will need to prove that its own offerings are just as valuable as Vodafone’s tie-ins.

“With handset selections very similar across the board – EE’s iPhone exclusivity will likely be short-lived with an inevitable sequel on the way – network availability will play a huge part in customer options. EE has also made the most of a ten-month head start – the provider will have rolled out 4G to more than 100 towns and cities by the time Vodafone and O2 launch, compared to just one and three cities respectively.

“While EE is all but certain to win in a race of superfast speeds – particularly with its recent doubling efforts – the shrewd pricing for those entering O2’s Refresh scheme and Vodafone’s A-list selection of entertainment perks certainly provides appealing aspects to each.

“With the three big players now having shown their hand, it will be down to customers to decide who will win their 4G vote. Looking at the respective packages, there is certainly much more than simply the monthly cost to consider when making the decision, and – as we’ve already seen – the networks are sure to fight tooth and nail to lure customers over to 4G.”

How do EE and Vodafone 12 month SIM only plans compare:

|

Network

|

Monthly cost

|

Data

|

Extras

|

EE

|

£21

|

500 MB

|

N/A

| |

EE

|

£26

|

1 GB

|

N/A

| |

Vodafone

|

£26

|

2 GB (unlimited for 3 months)

|

Sky Sports 1&2 OR Spotify Premium (for 6 months)

| |

O2

|

£26

|

1 GB

|

O2 Tracks for 12 months; Priority Sports; Exclusive online gaming

| |

EE

|

£31

|

3 GB

|

N/A

| |

Vodafone

|

£31

|

4 GB (unlimited for 3 months)

|

Sky Sports 1&2 OR Spotify Premium

| |

O2

|

£31

|

3 GB (5 GB for 12 months if sign up before 31.10.13)

|

O2 Tracks for 12 months; Priority Sports; Exclusive online gaming

| |

EE

|

£36

|

5 GB

|

N/A

| |

Vodafone

|

£36

|

8 GB (unlimited for 3 months)

|

Sky Sports 1&2 OR Spotify Premium

| |

O2

|

£36

|

5 GB (8 GB for 12 months if sign up before 31.10.13)

|

O2 Tracks for 12 months; Priority Sports; Exclusive online gaming

| |

EE

|

£41

|

8 GB

|

N/A

| |

EE

|

£61

|

20 GB

|

N/A

|