PAYG mobile broadband plan launched by 3

3 has launched the first true pay-as-you-go mobile broadband plan, allowing customers to benefit from mobile connectivity without being tied to a contract.

The plan allows customers to top up a PAYG USB Modem, in the same way that they would top up a mobile phone.

The USB modem is available for a one-off payment of £99.99 and comes in a choice of designs. Customers can then buy top-ups online, via 3’s website. Top-ups are also available over the phone or in stores displaying the Top-Up logo.

The top-up can then be converted to a £10, £15 or £25 broadband add-on, offering 1Gb, 3Gb or 7Gb download limits. Above this limit customers are charged a hefty £1 per additional megabyte.

Customers can now even customise their USB modems. 3 has entered into a partnership with “Skins4Things” to create sticker designs for the dongles.

The pay-as-you-go scheme provides the same HSDPA access as provided to customers customers on monthly contracts, giving data rates of up to 2.8Mbps.