Carphone Warehouse to launch iD mobile network in May
Do we really need another mobile phone operator in the UK? Carphone Warehouse believes we do, as it’s much-rumoured mobile network is about to be launched. Called “iD”, the new service will arrive in May and in fact be powered by Three’s network under the bonnet. So why is it so special?
The company says that it will focus on some of the key benefits desired by consumers. For example, controlled and capped plans, which it says will be the cheapest available. It’s also emphasising flexible 12-month contracts and special 30 day SIM only plans.
Carphone Warehouse launches “iD” mobile network
iD is “a new mobile network that is built around what the customer wants and addresses consumer frustrations with current mobile phone plans”, according to Carphone Warehouse. But perhaps the key thing is its international roaming, as iD customers will be able to use their normal data plan in 22 countries, which is even better than what Three currently offers. Those regions at launch will be: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the USA.
Commenting on the launch, Graham Stapleton, UK CEO at Carphone Warehouse, said:
“We’ve been listening to our millions of customers’ network requirements and desires for years. In doing so we have identified some common challenges. People want greater flexibility from their plans and are fed up with the ‘one size fits all’ approach. In fact, a recent study by Which? found that overspend on mobile phone charges in the UK amounts to £5.42billion each year – showing just how many people aren’t on the right plan for them. We are also a generation obsessed with the mobile internet and accessing data and services on the move – things people are either paying too much for or just aren’t getting. Addressing these challenges forms the basis of the first wave of plans from iD.”
At launch, the new network aims to solve three core customer frustrations:
1) Bill Shock – for those who want to make the most out of their money and like the reassurance and security of a standardised bill each month; delivered through controlled and capped plans at the lowest price on the market
2) Uncertainty when using your phone abroad – for those who travel abroad frequently but are hindered by inflexible plans. iD’s roaming plans cover more European countries than anyone else
3) Flexibility – 12 month contracts for those who want great value 4G, with the flexibility of shorter term commitment
Graham continues: “This is just the beginning. We know that there are lots more customer issues and frustrations with existing mobile plans that we’re eager to tackle. We want this network to be focused on the individual and we will continue to listen to customers over the coming months, asking them to help develop and evolve iD”.
Here’s a comparison between a couple of networks in terms of using your UK data plan abroad. The new iD network beats even Three’s “roam like home” deal.
The mobile industry in the UK is in the middle of huge changes, and so Carphone Warehouse and iD will need to work hard to compete. Three is on the cusp of buying O2, and BT is purchasing EE. And with all the other MVNOs out there, iD needs to stand out from the crowd. Thankfully, it does have its own retail stores, a decided advantage over all the other virtual operators.
The first great deal that might tempt prospective customers is the Samsung A3 device, which is available for a limited time on a 12-month 4G plan with 300 mins, 5000 texts and 1 GB data for just £19.50.
For more information and to register your interest, visit www.idmobile.co.uk.
SOURCE: Carphone Warehouse
