Ireland’s third-largest mobile operator Meteor has gone live with its 3G network, and some 70,000 customers have already signed up for the service.
The 3G network, which Meteor contracted Ericsson to construct, has already achieved 10pc 3G network coverage, and is on target to reach 33pc coverage by the end of September in the Dublin and Cork areas, explained Meteor chief executive, Larry Smith.
“This is a very exciting time for Meteor as we prepare for our commercial launch early next year. We will revolutionise the 3G customer experience and we will bring to market a unique proposition to the Irish 3G arena” he added.
In anticipation of its 3G launch, the company recently launched a straightforward pricing plan to ensure its customers get real value when using its 3G network, without incurring high costs.
The company charges a 99 cent daily rate for pre pay and €9.99 per month for bill pay for customers browsing Meteor Mobile Internet.
Meteor said it is the only operator that does not charge a connection fee to start browsing.
Rollout of the 3G network is on a phased basis beginning in Dublin and Cork. The remaining major cities and towns throughout the country will follow.
Meteor, which has 40 stores nationwide, recently celebrated its one millionth customer and now commands 19pc of the mobile market.
According to parent company Eircom’s most recent results, Meteor’s mobile subscriber base grew 12pc to 983,000 people, and the group achieved a 24pc increase in revenues of €481m.
By John Kennedy
Pictured: Meteor chief executive, Larry Smith
