Mobile network operator Three UK will increase the cost of calls, texts, and data for pay-as-you-go (PAYG) mobile users from July 12. With this, the cost of the call will increase by 250% for users.
At present, Three UK charges PAYG customers a standard rate of 10p per minute for calls to Standard UK landlines, mobiles, and voicemail, but this will be hiked to 35p next month. Similarly, the 10p charge for sending a text message will be increased to 15p, and the 5p charge for 1 megabyte (MB) of data would be increased to 10p.
The price changes will affect customers on a traditional package where one can top-up the phone with credit. The higher prices will also apply to an individual using Three mobile services abroad. Those on a bundle package, where one can pay in advance for a bundle of minutes, texts, and data will remain unaffected by the price hike.
Customers can get around this by opting for the current data packs, which start at £10 for 16GB (usually 8GB) and goes up to £35 for unlimited data – these last for 30-days and give unlimited calls/texts. These plans are more akin to a pay monthly plan than PAYG.
A Three spokesperson said that like many mobile providers even they have to review and revise their pricing. The rates will remain competitive across the market.
If any users want to disconnect PAYG services because of changes in prices then they have the right to exit. The spokesperson added that the user would be eligible for a refund of any outstanding credit.