UK 3G Prices Released

Hutchison 3G UK unveiled details of its forthcoming products and services to be marketed under the 3 brand, including details of special discounts and an outline of pricing options which will be made available to the first 20,000 'Founders' customers to sign up to these offers with 3.

Inset left is Strategy and Marketing Director at 3, Lisa Gernon who is quoted below.

As the UK's first commercial 3G service, 3 will deliver live video calls, digital mapping and advanced satellite location-based services, exclusive video clips of Premiership football highlights, music, games, news and finance.

A description of the new phones and key features follows :

NEC e606

Video calling
Video and photo messaging
Video download
Media player (play audio and video)
Text and audio messaging
Game play supported by JAVATM
Calendar and Contacts
BluetoothTM for wire-free dial up networking
USB connectivity
Multi-tasking (make calls whilst using other 3 services)

NEC e608

Video calling
Video and photo messaging
Video download
Media player (play audio and video)
Email
'Qwerty' keypad for easy text messaging
Large screen
Game play supported by JAVATM
Text and audio messaging
Calendar and contacts
Large internal memory
USB connectivity
Multi-tasking (make calls whilst using other 3 services)

Motorola A820

Video and photo messaging
Video download
Camera
Media player (play music and video)
Large removable memory with upgrade options
Text and audio messaging
Email
Calendar and Contacts
Game play supported by JAVATM
Tri-band capability for worldwide usage
BluetoothTM for wire-free connections
Infra-red and USB connectivity
Multi-tasking (make calls whilst accessing other 3 services

The company also announced that its new expanded online customer pre-registration area at 3's website will allow prospective customers to explore a 'sneak preview' of what will be on offer, fill out an online questionnaire to define their personal preferences and register with 3 to receive progress updates. Those who pre-register online will also be invited to view an early preview demonstration of 3's products and services in one of the company's flagship '3Stores' in London and Birmingham.

3's customised and intuitive icon-driven User Interface
A sample of video calling in action
A sample 'video postcard'
Samples of sports news, including a video clip from a Premiership game
Examples of digital mapping and advanced satellite-based location services, including 'my nearest' and directory searches
An example of a high-resolution game
Details of handsets (two from NEC, one from Motorola), including interactive 3D images
Comprehensive details of handset accessories
Strategy and marketing director at 3, Lisa Gernon, said: "In 2002 more than 15,000 UK consumers participated in customer research designed to fine-tune every aspect of 3's products and services. What we're revealing today is the outcome of that extensive analysis. We're very excited about the new medium we're building, and we're looking forward to delivering on our vision in the near future."

The company also announced there will be a special promotional discount for the first 20,000 'Founders' customers to sign up to 3's initial pricing options.

'Founders' who take up these offers will be offered a choice of special pricing options which will include a discount on the recommended retail price of a handset and a substantial 'bundle' of voice call minutes, video call minutes, text, picture and video messages, email and multimedia content and services. These promotional pricing options will be aimed at heavy users of 3 services and will range from £59.99 per month for 12 months to £99.99 per month for 12 months.

These promotional pricing options exclude international calls, calls made while abroad and premium rate calls. Handsets will be purchased separately, with recommended retail prices starting at £399 before promotional discounts. The offers will only be available for a limited time.

Further details of additional customer pricing options will be revealed in the near future.

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