Mobile broadband prices cut by 3

The cost of mobile broadband has been slashed by 3 as the network strives to increase market share in an increasingly competitive sector.

The new pricing structure will give existing 3 customers access to the web from a minimum of £5 per month, half the previous charge. The Broadband Lite package includes a 1GB download allowance and a free modem as part of an 18-month contract.

A 3GB service is also available at a 50 per cent discount for £7.50 per month, while the 7GB offer is now £12.50.

Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange provide a similar service with a 3GB data limit for £15 a month, while O2 charges consumers £20.

Recent research from Broadband Expert suggested that the average mobile broadband speed in the UK is only 1.46Mbps, less than half provided by average home connections.

Vodafone led the industry with a highest recorded speed of 2.3Mbps, while T-Mobile achieved 1.1Mbps and 3 came in last with 1Mbps.