Sky Mobile to let customers roll-over unused data for up to three years

Sky has promised customers an “entirely different” mobile phone experience as it unveiled details of its new mobile phone tariffs.

The UK’s largest pay-TV firm announced plans to enter the mobile sector after rival BT confirmed its intention to buy EE, a move which made it the biggest ‘quad play’ provider of broadband, mobile, TV and fixed-line phone services.

In response, Sky signed a wholesale Mobile Virtual Network Operator deal with O2 which will power its new Sky Mobile service.

Customers will be allowed to ‘roll over’ any unused data allowance for up to three years, an industry first which is likely to be welcomed by customers who resent losing unused allowances at the end of each month only to be forced to buy expensive add-ons on the rare occasions when they go over their bundled allocation. Customers will also be able to move tariff every month.

In addition, the firm’s TV subscribers who move to Sky Mobile won’t be charged for UK calls or texts. They’ll also be able to sync programmes from their Sky box to watch while out and about.

Existing Sky customers and those who’ve pre-registered will be able to buy SIM only plans from mid-December.

The three plans announced today are: 1GB for £10 per month, 3GB for £15 per month and 5GB for £20 per month.Non-Sky TV customers can add on Unlimited Calls and Texts for £10 per month, or pay for calls and texts on a Pay As You Use (PAYU) basis.

A full market launch will begin in the New Year and mobile handset plans, including ones offering Apple’s iPhone and “the best handsets” from Samsung, will arrive “later in 2017”.

Stephen van Rooyen, UK and Ireland Chief Executive, said: “We felt it was time to shake up the mobile market and give customers a completely new way to manage their mobile plan – something no one else is offering.

“We’ve designed it based on what people told us they want – it’s easy, flexible and transparent and it puts the customer in control. With £2 billion being wasted each year on unused data in the UK, Sky Mobile customers will only pay for what they use.

“Plus we’re giving Sky TV customers a fantastic offer which will allow them to get even more value from their subscriptions. It’s time for people to have a smart new way to manage their mobile contract.”

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