BT Ireland cuts broadband rate to €15 a month
The company, which recently changed its name from Esat BT, took the fight to Eircom by undercutting the former monopoly’s standard monthly broadband price by €25. Eircom launched a special offer for new customers last week that dropped the monthly charge from €40 to €30, but said existing customers must continue to pay the higher charge. It also introduced a new package for light users that will offer web access for 20 hours each month for a flat fee of €20.
BT said its price cuts were an attempt to “re-energise” the broadband market.
Figures published by Eircom recently showed the rate of broadband take-up had collapsed and that the number of new customers signing up each week had fallen from 5,000 last year to less than 1,500 in recent months.
BT’s new €15 offer is open to first-time connections but will be available for just four months. Customers who sign up will pay €30 per month after the introductory offer ends. BT also had good news for existing customers yesterday by cutting its standard price to €30 per month, €10 less than Eircom’s charge.
BT Ireland chief operating officer Mike Maloney said the company would focus in the future on delivering the best value for always-on broadband, with no monthly time limits. “We believe this strategy will stimulate broadband adoption and help the government achieve its broadband targets,” he said.
The company also launched a new price plan that offers combined broadband web access and phone line rental for €25 per month for new users and €40 for existing customers. Eircom charges existing customers almost €65 per month for the same service. Mr Maloney said customers could switch over without changing their phone number or temporarily losing their phone service while the switching process was underway.
The new deal will be on offer from July 11, but customers have been invited to sign up immediately at www.btireland.ie or by calling 1800 923 923.
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