UK carrier Three has today announced a number of changes it has made to its tethering services for new customers on both 3G and 4G contracts.
Three is now no longer offering unlimited tethering on any all-you-can-use mobile data plans. However, in consolation, the company thinks that offering Three subscribers free calls to 0800 numbers will help ease the pain.
Changes to Tariffs and Data Allowances
Three has today updated its tariffs so that only its highest-paying customers will get unlimited mobile data on their devices. While the company has extended the tethering feature to more users, it has removed the unlimited tethering feature that was previously available. This means that users who were accustomed to unlimited tethering will now have to adjust to new limitations.
The downside to these changes is that users now get a smaller allowance as a consequence. For instance, users on the highest subscription package with Three will only be able to use 2GB of their personal hotspot data before needing to purchase additional allowance in 1GB units. This is a significant shift from the previous offering, where unlimited tethering was a major selling point for Three’s plans.
Impact on Users and Alternatives
The changes to Three’s tethering policy are likely to impact heavy data users the most. Those who relied on unlimited tethering for activities such as streaming, downloading large files, or using their mobile data as a primary internet source will now need to monitor their usage more closely. The 2GB limit on personal hotspot data may not suffice for users with high data demands, leading them to incur additional costs for extra data.
However, Three’s decision to offer free calls to 0800 numbers is a small consolation. This move could be beneficial for users who frequently make calls to these numbers, potentially saving them money on their phone bills. Yet, it remains to be seen whether this benefit will be enough to offset the dissatisfaction caused by the removal of unlimited tethering.
For users seeking alternatives, it may be worth exploring other carriers that still offer more generous tethering options. Some competitors might provide better data packages or more flexible tethering allowances, making them a viable option for those who find Three’s new policies restrictive.
For more information on the new unlimited tethering changes made by Three today, jump over to the Three website for details and the new account details.
Source: Wired
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