ASIA : Free video calls and competitive data rates are key features of the latest 3G tariff details released by M1 following the launch of its 3G service last month.

From 1 April till the end of the year, the first five minutes of every video call between M1 customers (incoming and outgoing) will not be charged. The rate of S$0.15 per minute, which is lower than the cost of a normal call during peak periods, will apply after the first five minutes.

For video calls made to and received from other mobile networks, the rate of S$0.15 per minute will apply for the entire duration of the call, also effective from 1 April.

Commenting on the change in the video call rate which is currently at S$0.40 per minute, M1's Chief Executive Officer, Neil Montefiore, said : "We have reviewed the video call rate in response to customer feedback and market developments. In line with our objective of continuing to offer value to our customers and to facilitate their move to 3G, we have decided to introduce more cost incentives for 3G video calls and data usage in general."

M1 customers can also sign up for three 3G data plans from 1 April which are priced at S$10.50 (for 5MB), S$39.90 (for 20MB) and S$105 (for 60MB). Data usage beyond these bundled plans will cost an attractive S$0.00315/kb which is lower than the prevailing market rate. However, charges for these plans will only commence from 1 May and customers who have switched to 3G can continue to enjoy free video streaming, MP3 download and Internet surfing until the end of April.

To encourage customers to use 3G data without having to worry about incurring excessive costs, a cap on charges will be imposed on all three data plans. The S$105 plan will be capped at S$208.95 while the other two plans will be capped at S$313.95.

Customers can also use 3G data on a pay-per-use basis at S$0.0105/kb and charges will similarly be capped at S$313.95.

M1, Singapore's most exciting and innovative mobile and IDD service provider, was launched in April 1997. Since then, it has made significant inroads into the local mobile communications market, gaining considerable brand presence and market share. M1 aims to be the leader in personal voice and data communications, focusing on value, quality and customer service.