BT gently returns to mobe biz with cheap SIM-only swoop

BT has tentatively returned to the mobile market it abandoned 13 years ago with a competitive SIM-only deal for its broadband customers.

The one-time state monopoly – as expected – touted a 4G data, minutes and texts bundle this morning, with prices starting at £5 a month.

BT's offer weds existing broadband subscribers to a 12-month "bring your own phone" contract, with the sweetener of a 50 per cent discount on 4G tariffs, when compared with non-BT customers.

The telecoms giant said BT broadband customers can have up to five mobe plans at the discounted rates on a single bill for anyone living in the same household. It added that monthly spend can be capped to avoid "bill shock".

BT also vowed that subscribers who wish to switch to a cheaper plan would be able to do so "without taking out a new contract".

The three mobile plans start at 500MB of 4G data, unlimited texts and 200 minutes for a fiver a month for BT broadband punters, or £10 for anyone else.

A larger 4G data offer of 2GB, with unlimited texts and 500 minutes, carries a £12 a month price tag, rising to £17 for non-BT broadband folk.

Finally, the firm is flogging a 4G data allowance of 20GB, with unlimited texts and minutes, priced at £20 for BT broadband customers. This climbs to £25 if – you guessed it – you're not connected to the company's broadband network.

It was reported late last year that BT had hit a technical snag with its consumer mobile strategy. The company had apparently been wrestling with carrying voice calls and data traffic over Wi-Fi networks.

Today, BT said that it merely had a "roadmap" for its so-called "inside out" 4G service. The company told The Register in October that:

We have always been very clear that it will take the best part of two years to develop our Consumer femtocell service, and this remains the case.

BT is separately awaiting regulatory approval of its planned £12.5bn gobble of UK mobile operator EE. ®