[Hands0n]

It is always interesting to see how the Mobile Network Operators seek to pressgang us into buying in this very saturated UK market. Here is another attempt....... coming to our shores in due course?



3 shifts phones through Xtra-vision video stores

While most companies are looking to rent films over their mobile phone networks, 3 has started selling phones through a film rental network.

3 is already selling films and video content, and Xtra-vision (the Irish division of Blockbuster) has seen the need to diversify in the video rental business and has been expanding into consumer electronics for some time.

While picking up a new handset while browsing for a DVD might seem odd, it's no stranger than buying a phone in Tescos or Superdrug.

In addition to the normal range of 3 tariffs and handsets, customers will be able to get special "X-clusives", which will only be available from Xtra-vision stores. Neither company is saying what these will be at the moment, so we're thinking ringtones and pictures rather than anything substantial. ®


Article Source: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/09/12/3_and_xtra_vision/

[3GScottishUser]

The above deal only applies to the Irish republic as that video hire company already sell other networks.

3 have been doing very little in the UK on the pre-pay front and must be losing customers now at a very significant rate with many of the older NEC handsets that were used to build the user base now ending their lives. WePay appears to be unattractive now as are the range of handsets that offer ultra cheap models and high end alternatives. The £60- £150 handset marjet is almost ignored by 3 and is dominated by trendy GSM kit like the Moto V3, Samsung D500/D600 and SE Walkman devices.

There is no clue as to wheather 3 UK has the stomach for another full scale attack at pre-pay. Maybe they have a big new deal and some bright new products in store for the peak selling season. If they have its a well kept secret, if not it looks like 3's pre-pay is in terminal decline.