Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa has revealed its introductory prices for its closely-watched UK service launch, the first in Europe.
Hutchison Whampoa was awarded Ireland's first 3G, or third generation, mobile phone licence earlier this year. The 'A' licence provides for 80% population coverage with a start date of January 2004. The licence will bring the Exchequer a total of €50.7 million - with €12.7 million upfront and the balance payable over 15 years.
Hutchison Whampoa is offering two subscription plans, priced at either £59.99 sterling (€93.83) or £99.99 (€156.39) per month for 12 months. Handset purchases are separate and phones will start at £399 (€624) for UK customers.
The service plans include bundled minutes of video calls, text, pictures and text messages, email and internet content.
The company is expected to launch its 3G service commercially in the UK and Italy sometime in January, following a low scale rollout to 'friendly' users that began in October. It aims to enlist one million customers in both the UK and Italy by the end of 2003, although many analysts think these goals are aggressive.
Only Japan's DoCoMo has so far launched a commercial 3G service with disappointing customer response.
