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Media Release
London - 17 June 2004

3 wins award for best consumer mobile package
3's VideoTalk 750 wins award at Mobile Retailer Awards

3's ground-breaking mobile package 'VideoTalk 750' has been voted best in the UK by the mobile industry.

3, the UK's first video mobile network, won first place in the 'consumer post-pay price plan' category at the Mobile retailer awards, which identifies the tariff that represents best value for over 15 million mobile users signed up to a monthly contract.

When launched in June 2003, VideoTalk 750 challenged mobile pricing convention with an unrivalled package that offers 750 minutes worth of calls for �35 and the freedom to use this call 'bundle' to call any network at any time.

The judging panel, which rated tariffs on value, innovations and clarity for consumers, concluded that "Since June 2003, no conversation or decision on the subject of tariffs had been made without reference to 3's Video Talk offers, 3 has quite simply redefined voice tariffs in the UK."

One of the panel of awards judges commented: "The consumer value that 3 is putting into its tariffs is blinding. As retailers, we have to approve of giving value to consumers. By the same token, it's great for the market."

Another member of the panel said: "the 750 tariff knocks the spots off most other tariffs."

3's VideoTalk 750 won out over rival plans, including T-Mobile Mix It, 02 Bolt-ons and Innovation and Orange Your Plan.

Marc Allera, Sales Director, 3 said: "We're offering by far the best deal on the market for consumers, so we're delighted that the award recognises the ground-breaking nature of VideoTalk 750. 3 is shaking up the UK mobile market with great products, exciting services and unbeatable value. Customers are beginning to realise that new technology offers them more for less, something that the old networks are struggling to follow. With 3, the customer wins."

ThreePay, 3's Pay-As-You-Go offer aimed at those spending upwards of �15 a month, was runner-up in the pre-pay category.

- Ends -

The judging process

The judging process was based on a market survey of 120 partners, MDs and proprietors of mobile phone dealerships. The price plans emerging at the top of this poll were shortlisted for a second stage of judging by an industry panel.

The panel included the UK heads of all the multiple retailers, the mobile chiefs of Tesco, Ryman and Woolworths and several leading independent dealers. All decisions were made by secret ballet.

Members of the judging panel included: Andrew Harrison, UK Chief Executive, Carphone Warehouse, Elizabeth Fagan, MD of The link and John Welsh, Operations Director, Phones 4U.

The judging criteria for the consumer post-pay category were:

  • Post-pay tariffs or packages that have shown the greatest innovation
  • Post-pay tariffs or packages setting the pace for value
  • Developments that have promoted clarity for users
  • Developments that have encouraged data adoption

About 3

Hutchison 3G UK Limited deliver third-generation mobile multimedia and communications services under the 3 brand in the UK, offering a convergence of media, information and telephony to enable live video calls, multimedia content and entertainment while on the move.

3 services are available from sister companies in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy and Sweden. 3 also holds UMTS licences in Ireland, Israel and Norway.

For further information, please visit: www.three.co.uk