Vodafone announce iPhone tariffs for New Year

Following today's announcement by Vodafone that the iPhone will be available from 14th January 2010, Julie Owens, spokesperson at moneysupermarket.com said, "Vodafone are the latest big mobile provider to offer the iPhone but have followed suit with Orange and failed to ignite the competition in the market that consumers have been hoping for.

"The tariff prices announced by Vodafone are generally the same as O2 and Orange. For example, the average mobile user might go for 600 minutes and 500 texts which costs around £35 on all networks on a 24 month contract, with the 16GB 3GS handset costing between £87 and £89. The only difference is that Vodafone offer unlimited texts on all of their packages which does give them the edge for heavy texters.

"Tesco still offer the lowest cost entry level tariff at £20 a month but with a 32GB 3GS handset coming in at a hefty £407, the long term cost is less attractive. Vodafone's lowest priced tariff is slightly more than O2 and Orange at £30 a month but does offer a better package with 300 minutes and unlimited texts on a 24 month contract with a 16GB 3GS handset costing £149. The providers also differ on download limits, Vodafone has a 1GB limit which is slightly better than Orange's  fair usage limit of 750MB a month whereas O2 have no set limit, although operate a fair usage policy. Vodafone has also introduced a charge for customers wishing to use their iPhones as a modem - starting at £5 to download 500 MB.

"The appetite for the iPhone is enormous and Vodafone will no doubt find it quickly becomes one of their most popular handsets, particularly with plenty of people looking for a new deal in the New Year. However, there is not much to choose between the big operators. The unlimited texts offer from Vodafone gives it the edge for texters, Tesco's 12 month tariff is good value for those looking for a shorter term commitment and Orange Wednesdays is a perk to consider for regular cinema goers."