Pick and Mix
Supermarket chain
Woolworths has become a telco in Australia.
The outfit, which became defunct
in Europe, is still Australia's largest supermarket chain and has announced
plans to enter the telecommunications market, offering a no-frills mobile
phone service which is as cheap as chips.
Woolworths will use the Optus
network in a pre-paid service that offers a flat rate for voice calls of 15
cents flagfall and 15 cents for every 30 seconds of conversation. The rate
applies to both mobile and fixed-line calls. Text messages will cost 15
cents.
Woolworths business manager Alex Cochran said customers had told the
company the number of plans, caps and bonuses in the market currently
was confusing.
"What they really want is clear and transparent pricing
and everyday value," Mr Cochran said.
Woolworths will sell their own
branded SIM cards for $2 via their Woolworths, Safeway, BIG W and Dick Smith
stores. Customers can recharge accounts by buying credit at those stores and
at other Woolworths outlets, Dan Murphy's, BWS and participating Caltex
Woolworths fuel outlets.