3 UK extends half price handset promo

3 UK has extended its introductory offer on half-price handsets, due to end at the end of last month, by a further month until the end of April.

The offer, which previously applied only to the 3G mobile operator's Kit and Caboodle contracts, has also been extended to its 3toGo (pay as you use) service. This month consumers will be able to get any of three handsets (NEC e606, Motorola A830 and NEC e808) 3 UK supports at half price. The cheapest of these, the Motorola A830, costs £125 during the introductory offer.

A report in yesterday's FT suggested that extended the cut-price offer was a sign that "consumers are not taking to the new technology".

A spokesman for Hutchison 3G UK downplayed this suggestion and said on the contrary consumers were very interested in its hi-speed mobile services.

On March 20, parent company Hutchison said 10,000 users had pre-ordered 3 UK's services by the beginning of March. That's the last available figures, though our man at 3G UK promises further updates will follow.

The spokesman said the introductory offer had been extended to support 3 UK's marketing campaign, which he said was moving into its next phase.

So far, 3 UK's advertisements have focused on building its brand but with the opening of more shops this weekend the campaign will progress to promoting the company's products and services, he told us. ®

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