CONSUMERS could save themselves hundreds of euro a year by avoiding traditional broadband companies and opting for new services provided by mobile phone firms.

UTV Internet announced today it is to offer a new broadband Internet deal in Ireland for a monthly charge of €29.

More than 4,000 customers have taken up UTV's broadband and flat rate internet services in the last 10 weeks.

UTV Internet has launched a new residential broadband internet service that promises to shake up the Irish internet market.

Ulster Television says it expects to raise its share of total advertising income in the current year, while hoping to keep operating costs at the 2000 level.