3 UK launched device financing in May 2020 at competitive rates compared to O2 which we covered in last month’s blog post. As quickly as it appeared, finance pricing vanished from their website. Strategy Analytics’ PriceTRAX database last picked up published finance pricing from 3 the week ending 26^th June 2020.

3 UK Smartphone Plan Counts by Device Purchase Option:

It has been 3 weeks since finance pricing disappeared from the online store, so it is not a simple glitch. The signals point towards a false start as financing is still buried on 3’s website, but via a third party (Creation Finance). Other UK operators provide a seamless finance application process and integrated management of device payments and the service plan. Three has demonstrated intent towards device finance but their approach appears fragmented.

For 3 to succeed with device financing there needs to be transparent, readily available monthly device prices/hardware fees to compete with the likes of O2, Tesco & Virgin Mobile. Without these Three’s finance option is veiled in mystery.

PriceTRAX is uniquely positioned to provide insight into retail pricing from mobile operators and retailers worldwide. PriceTRAX monitors retail pricing, new initiatives, and the successes (and failures) of new pricing strategies for mobile device pricing.

To see how Strategy Analytics’ PriceTRAX database can support pricing decisions, and how our web UI and dashboard solutions might help you, click here

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