UPDATE | A 3 spokesperson confirmed that the telco has no plans to reduce its roaming charge of $1.65/MB when outside its 3G coverage area. "That price really is a factor of customers roaming onto another carrier's network, which we compensate that carrier for", she said.

For example, instead of paying $49/month for 2GB of data, the plan is now $24.50/month for the 24 month contract period. The half price deal is only available if you sign up for 24 months, and a free USB modem is provided. Once the 24 month period is up, pricing reverts to the full amount.

The cheapest plan of $14.50/month for 1GB also comes with a free USB modem but is only available to those that have a 3 handset. Another restriction is that existing 3 customers cannot switch to a cheaper plan under the deal, but they are allowed to switch to a half price plan that is greater than their existing plan.

The deal doesn't get close to Vodafone's new 5GB for $39 offer however, with 3 still charging $49.50 for its 5GB plan. 3 is also still charging $1.65/MB if you roam outside of 3's coverage area and onto Telstra's GSM network.

The pricing is not yet on the 3 website, but the plans are available from today.

Links:

• Mobile broadband sees even better value  (Whirlpool, 29 Nov 2007)