In a shot across the bow of rival Optus, Vodafone has announced its pricing for the iPhone 3G S, including tethering without a monthly access fee.
Vodafone will offer the iPhone 3G S 16GB model for free on its $69 per month plan over 24 months, including $400 of calls and 1GB of data, and the 32GB model for free on the $114 per month plan with unlimited calls and 2GB of data.
The new phone will be available to purchase online at www.store.vodafone.com.au and in some 600 Vodafone stores and dealers from Friday June 26, 2009.
In response to the new iPhone's ability to do data tethering, Vodafone says its customers will not be charged a monthly access fee, but they will be given the option to purchase additional data for tethering – 1GB for $24.95 or 2GB for $29.95, available from August 2009.
“Until that time any customer who wishes to try the new tethering service can do so using the data allowance included on their plan,” according to Vodafone.
Vodafone will also offer the iPhone to prepaid customers and 24-month contracts purchased from the online store will get $100 bonus credit thrown in.
As a result of the merger of Vodafone and 3 in Australia, VHA will offer the iPhone 3G S through the 3 mobile brand from July.
Full pricing details are available online at Vodafone's iPhone 3G S pricing Web site.