Sainsbury's enters the mobile market
Commenting on Sainsbury's launch into the mobile market, Jonathan Leggett, mobile expert at uSwitch.com, says: "This new service will give cash-strapped families and loyal Sainsbury's shoppers a chance to boost their Nectar balance simply by chatting on their mobile. Where Tesco has led with a successful combination of value for money and the perks of the Clubcard scheme, Sainsbury's will be looking to follow. But while money for nothing may seem like a no-brainer the devil is in the detail - the perks of loyalty cards need to be weighed up against the cost of the service.
"With £10 of credit going as far as 200 minutes, unlimited texts and 250 MB data, Sainsbury's appears to have put itself firmly in-line with Tesco Mobile. But while Tesco will only offer 1 point per pound next year when its triple points offer ends, Sainsbury's could gain ground on its rivals by offering 4 points per pound as standard. Anyone signing up to a Mobile by Sainsbury's bundle will also benefit from double Nectar points on Sainsbury's shopping and fuel.
"Tesco also has a ten year head start in the mobile game - is Sainsbury's too late to the party? The race to be top dog is also going to be tough for Sainsbury's as Tesco has proved that it can deliver on customer service too - sweeping the board at our Mobile Awards last November.
"Ultimately, the plans offered by the two supermarket behemoths are very similar - for mobile users picking between the two it's likely to come down to where they shop the most.
"As for the rest of the mobile market, Sainsbury's does appear to fall a little short. A GiffGaff SIMO deal, on a one month rolling contract, offers 500 mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data. While Orange's SIM only deal comes with 500 mins, 500 texts and 100 MB of data for £10.
"But as with any mobile deal, consumers will need to check the service they'll get. Underneath the Sainsbury's and Tesco brand names are networks run by Vodafone and O2 - and consumers should check what the coverage is like with each."