This is the reasoning behind the new Three “Essentials” plans, which start at £6 per month on a SIM-only 12-month deal. They’re billed as “no frills”, yet still give you you 4G data. For £6 you’ll get 500MB of data, 200 minutes of talk and all the texts you can shake a stick at. For £9 per month you can have 1GB of data and 600 minutes plus unlimited texts or, if you’re more of a data user and less of a talkers, 2GB and 200 minutes plus unlimited texts for the same amount. 4GB of data will set you back £18 per month on a SIM-only – that’s with unlimited texts and calls. If you want a rolling one-month deal then you’ll need to add £3 onto all these prices.
Now, I’ve got to say, whilst these are pretty decent, compared to the likes of Vodafone (who are doing “double data” on SIM-only plans), they’re facing a tough challenge. Voda are offering a 10GB SIM-only 12-month deal for £17 per month which has a similar no-roaming setup. Even without that “double data” offering, 5GB for £17 still beats the Three pricing, even if there’s no unlimited texts.
Three tell us that customers can adjust their “Essentials” plans, and you’ll get a free Amazon voucher ranging from £25-£50 depending on which plan you have if you’re a new customer. You can also attach an “Essentials” plan to a contract handset.
JUST THE ESSENTIALS – Three unveils its lowest ever tariff giving customers a wider choice –
Three has today (July 26) unveiled its new range of Essential plans – a cost-effective set of tariffs that gives customers great value, flexibility and the freedom to select a plan that offers the basics they need, without having to pay for the stuff they don’t.
Based on current customer usage and behaviour, Three has created the new plan for those who want a no-frills package and to be able to stay in control of their use and spend. The new Essential plans come with 4G at no extra cost on compatible devices and will consist of a number of ‘no-frills’ 24-month contract plans, available to purchase on a range of different phones, plus a host of 1 month and 12-month SIM plans.
The Essential plans are aimed at customers who don’t regularly go abroad and therefore have no need for Three’s Feel at Home service; people who don’t need to use their phone as a hotspot and those that don’t tend to regularly call customer service numbers.
Pricing for SIM-Only tariffs begins at £6.00 a month for a minimum 12-month contract, while 24-month contract plan pricing varies depending on the handset. Please find a selection of SIM-only price plans below:
SIM-only deals
SIM-only deals
| Tariff |
1 month minimum |
12 month minimum |
| 500MB/ 200 mins/ AYCE texts |
£9.00 |
£6.00 |
| 1GB/ 600 mins/ AYCE texts |
£12.00 |
£9.00 |
| 2GB/ 200 mins/ AYCE texts |
£12.00 |
£9.00 |
| 4GB/ AYCE mins/ AYCE texts |
£21.00 |
£18.00 |
Users will also have the flexibility to make both short and long term changes to their plan for the duration of the contract. So whether it’s adding extra data to take you through to the end of the month, an option to use your phone as a personal hotspot or extra minutes for the remainder of the contract, you’ll be free to make alterations to the tariff as and when you please.
Three’s current plans have had a makeover and are now called Advanced plans – these plans offer customers everything on the new Essential plans but includes Feel At Home and the option to use your phone as a personal hotspot. Any new customers to Three, will receive an Amazon voucher, ranging from £25 – £50 depending on which plan they choose**.
Danny Dixon, Director of Customer Strategy at Three said: “At Three we’re constantly looking at ways of extending the range of tariffs on offer to our customers as to ensure we account for all different types of mobile phone users – ranging from the smartphone obsessed, right through to the more infrequent users.
“While we remain extremely proud of the unique perks we offer on our Advanced plans, such as Feel At Home and tethering, we appreciate that not all of our customers use their phone abroad regularly or use their phone as a hotspot. These new Essential plans set out to provide a no frills alternative for these customers, providing them with the option to cut out the stuff they don’t need, and get the best value for the stuff they really do. We’re also delighted to be able to offer all new customers an Amazon voucher, just a small way to say ‘thank you’ for joining us on Three.”
Customers wishing to sign up for an Essential plan can do so by heading to their local Three store or online at www.three.co.uk from July 19.
Going abroad is great. Using your phone as a hotspot is great too. However, if you don’t want to use your phone on holiday and don’t often turn it into a portable WiFi hotspot, there’s no real need for you to have a chunky plan which includes these features.