One.Tel leaves internet meter ticking

Telecoms company One.Tel has turned its back on the current unmetered internet access trend by launching a penny-per-minute internet service.

The OneTel.Net service will offer internet access at 1p per minute, 24x7, with no connection or monthly access fees. Customers will not need to switch telephone companies.

In recent months, consumers have been inundated with the promise of a 'free' unlimited surfing nirvana - but in truth many have been left with slow and congested services or delayed sign-ups. One.Tel said its service will feature no delays and no hidden costs.

According to One.Tel, the average UK household spends between six to eight hours a month on the internet, which would cost users £3 to £4 a month with OneTel.Net. The company said this is excellent value for money compared with many of the flat-rate monthly rates other ISPs charge.

Click here to read vnunet.com's essential guide to unmetered ISPs

Chris Weston, chief operating officer at One.Tel, said the company has made steps to ensure there are no problems with congestion. "We have a pre-provision of sufficient capacity and will continue to order to ensure there are no problems. We already have a call centre to help people get online within 10 minutes," he said.

Despite providers promising users that they will soon have smooth and untroubled unmetered internet services, Weston said: "I am sure we will see more casualties in that area. It will be interesting to see how the market works out."

Registration can be done either at www.onetel.net.uk or by calling 0800 634 1954. Users will be given a username and password, and will be provided with 10 steps on how to connect and set their computer to the service.

One.Tel has also launched a telephone chargecard, called the Home or Away Calling Card, which allows customers to make cheap, flat-rate calls from any home in the UK and 40 countries worldwide, with calls billed to their One.Tel accounts.