The price war in data rates is official. 3 in the U.K. is the newest operator to announce a flat-rate mobile Internet package, according to an e-mail release. The deal, GBP5 ($9.90) for a month of “unlimited access,” is a bit of a misnomer since the operator’s fair usage policy limits caps data downloads at 1GB per month. In any case, the deal is available on all handsets, including 3’s X-Series devices. These devices are chock-full of services and apps including Skype software, Yahoo mobile search, Ebay, Windows Live messenger – and some even let users access their home TVs using Slingbox. The X-Series was part of a flat-rate package from the start, and now the operator is betting the combination of device and tariff will drive data across its complete offer.  However, independent technology consultancy Ovum has a different take on the announcement. It believes 3 is not pioneering flat-data as much as it is indicating disappointment with the uptake of data services (including the X-Series) to date. 3’s move follows Vodafone’s decision last week to introduce flat-rate data. (BTW: I erroneously reported that New Media Age got the scoop on Vodafone’s price-cut, when Mobile Media (sub.req.) actually broke the story in February. Credit where credit is due, guys.)
Related:
—Vodafone U.K. To Join The Flat-Rate Data Bandwagon
—Analysts Welcome 3’s Flat Rate Plan