Tethering-tastic
O2 has launched new tariffs for UK customers that include free internet tethering.
It said in a blog post: "For the first time, internet tethering (using your phone as a modem to connect your laptop to the internet) is completely included in our data allowances, so you don't have to pay a penny extra for it."
The company has refreshed its range of Pay Monthly tariffs for new and upgrading customers, focusing on making them simple and flexible, so instead of picking a texts, minutes and data combo, consumers can now tailor their tariff to suit them.
O2 said the 3 step process is as follows:
Step 1: Pick your handset (or choose to keep your old one) and contract length
Step 2: Pick your minutes and text allowance
Step 3: Choose how much data (web on your phone) you want to use
O2 has clearly rethought its strategy as 70 percent of its new customers are now picking smartphones and many of these consumers will want to use their phone to tether their tablet or PC to the internet when they cannot use a free Wi-Fi connection.
The company said: "We've introduced more choice by continuing to offer as much as 1GB per month for our heaviest users, and by adding a 100MB data allowance for those customers who just want to send a few emails."
The new data plans cost £3 for 100MB, £6 for 500MB and £10 for 1GB per month.
O2 also said that it has taken on board comments from its current customers who have asked for shorter contracts and have launched 12 month contracts for its existing customers so they can change their handsets more frequently.
