The third-generation mobile operator 3 has launched a mobile web service with subscribers now able to access more than 400 websites directly on their handsets.
The list of sites includes RTE.ie, AerLingus.com, entertainment.ie and GAA.ie, with more to be added over the coming weeks based on customer demand.
To coincide with the launch, contract customers with the network can receive one hour of free web access, or up to 2MB of data per day. This offer lasts for the first three months of the service.
Customers are free to browse the various mobile site categories and product information pages without paying usage fees. On selecting a category or mobile site, customers will be directed to a sign-up page where they can choose between the various tariff options. If they choose not to select one of these options, they will not incur any charge and will only have to pay if they proceed.
Customers can access the Mobile Web by going to ‘Today On 3’ on their 3 handsets. ‘Today on 3’ is 3’s live mobile entertainment and news channel which is updated throughout the day and includes video mobile content.
Outside the promotional pricing, regular costs will be 30 cent for half an hour or 500KB of data, depending on which limit the user reaches first. Paying €1 will get one hour online or 2MB of data. A day’s usage (or 4MB) costs €2 and the weekly tariff (or 30MB of data) is priced at €10. According to 3, an average page on a mobile website contains around 10KB of data.
Robert Finnegan, managing director of 3 Ireland, commented: “The availability of the internet on mobile handsets further demonstrates the move towards complete mobile connectivity, where handsets can now be used as mini computers, MP3 players, digital cameras as well as a phone.”
By Gordon Smith
