Three UK makes 0800 numbers free on new SIM-only plans

UK mobile operator Three has announced new SIM-only plans, enabling consumers to save on calling 08- numbers. Free 0800 calls will be included, while other 08- numbers (084, 087, etc) will cost 5p per minute. The network will also be introducing new spending tools, which will prevent customers from exceeding allowances and limits on premium numbers. On top of all this, new allowances for tethering will be rolled out.

The goal of these changes is to prevent customers from being greeted with costly bills and enjoy using their shiny new smartphones with peace of mind. There are a range of data allowances available, from 500MB to all-you-can-eat. The company will also be upgrading the allowance for personal hotspots (tethering a smartphone to other devices) next year from 2GB to 4GB, along with a 4GB data allowance to new contract handset plans.

Full press release with more details can be found below.

Three unveils new SIM-only plans with free 0800 calls and increased tethering limits

Three has launched new SIM-only plans, offering customers free 0800 calls, with other 08 numbers, like 084 and 087 costing just 5p per minute.

The plans also include a number of spending tools, including the ability to set limits to stop customers going over their minutes allowance and spending limits on expensive numbers.

Customers will also get more choice in the amount of data they can have as part of their plan, and can easily change plans to one with increased allowances, if they find themselves talking or using more data than expected.

Combined, these features are designed to ensure people can enjoy their devices while avoiding bill shock.

There is a choice of data allowances: 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and all-you-can eat data, so people can find the right bundle for their needs. Personal hotspot is now supported in every new SIM plan, with customers on all-you-can-eat data plans able to enjoy a 4GB personal hotspot allowance.

Three plans to introduce a 4GB data allowance to new contract handset plans next year, as well as increasing the personal hotspot allowance included in new all-you-can-eat data plans from 2GB to 4GB.

Announcing the new SIM plans, Three's Marketing Director, Tom Malleschitz, said: "People want choice and control so they are able to enjoy their devices without worrying about bill shock. These SIM-only plans give them exactly that.

"They'll also benefit from free 0800 numbers and with Feel At Home customers can use the internet and call and text home while in Australia, France, Italy, the USA and twelve other countries out of their UK allowance."

Rich Edmonds