O2 updates unlimited Wi-Fi access

O2 has announced a series of updates to it mobilebroadband tariffs that are "designed for ease of use".

The telecommunications company's customers can now choose a 1GB (gigabyte) per month tariff with unlimited Wi-Fi on either a 30-day contract or an 18-month contract.

The availability of unlimited Wi-Fi to O2's customers could potentially boost adoption of IP telephony solutions, such as mobile apps that emulate VoIP phones.

O2 is also offering unlimited Wi-Fi access, alongside unlimited UK texts and data and 300 minutes of call time, to existing iPhone and other smartphone users in a SIM-only package.

O2 also has an existing 3GB with unlimited Wi-Fi tariff.

Mobile operators are now realising they must work with the VoIP provider community or create their own VoIP solutions, according to Informa Telecoms and Media.

Dario Talmesio, senior research analyst and head of Europe at the telecoms and media markets business intelligence provider, said that "market forces are such that mobile operators can’t avoid internet-based VoIP".

Mr Talmesio was commenting on recent developments at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, telecoms industry news website Telecoms.com reported.