17 Jun 2010

Mobile data cap 'could affect thousands'

Thousands of mobile phone users could see their data management hindered by the removal of unlimited download tariffs, it has been stated.

Steve Reynolds, chairman of the Mobile Data Association, said the move by O2 to stop offering these deals could impact upon people's ability to transfer large amounts of data from their phones quickly and cheaply.

He commented: "People have migrated from their desktop to their mobile and are uploading pictures and videos."

Indeed, Mr Reynolds claimed that what sparked this move by the provider was the introduction of a gamut of apps over the last 12 months that allow users to access Facebook, YouTube and Twitter via their mobile.

Meanwhile, typical download contracts for smartphone users are capped at one gigabyte - the equivalent of a million emails, 10,000 basic web pages or 120 YouTube videos.

However, the firm stated that 97 per cent of O2 smartphone customers would not be affected by this change.