3 Ireland delays plans to implement 4G charge

3 Ireland will not introduce fees for 4G access. The network is postponing its planned €5 per month 4G charge until July 2016.

The network had planned to increase bills from the end of this month. This is the same time that its 1.5 million O2 customers were due to be upgraded to 4G mobile data speeds.

But it has delayed this plan, extending its 18-month old "promotional" period of offering 4G access at no additional cost.

3 Ireland also says that all 1.5m former O2 customers will be upgraded to 4G access next month, subject to coverage and handset capability.

4G gives mobile data speeds of up to 60Mbs on compatible smartphones. In some areas with particularly strong 4G signals, it can be used as an alternative to fixed-line broadband.