EE unveils 4G/3G petabyte data bundles for business users
Mobile operator claims "Super Bundles" could save customers millions of pounds.
Mobile operator EE has launched a range of massive 3G and 4G data bundles for business customers that offer as much as one petabyte of data.
The company claims these so-called "Super Bundles" have been created in response to corporate and public sector organisations that want cheaper alternatives to satellite links. It is claimed they could save customers, such as those in broadcasting, millions of pounds.
They are available in 50TB, 100TB, 200TB, 500TB and 1PB units, and are being offered to customers with no expiry date, no contract period, and no sharer fees. Businesses can add new SIMs at any time and individual users can top up data as needed.
Buying a petabyte of mobile data will set companies back 8 million, but EE stressed that transferring one petabyte of data over satellite links costs 20 million. So in effect, companies would save 12 million.
As well as cost savings, broadcasters will no longer have to book data uplinks in advance. Instead, they simply use a mobile Wi-Fi device for an instant data connection over 4G, EE said.
The firm predicts businesses could consume 860 per cent more data on mobile devices by 2016. A 3G mobile data fleet of 2,500 users typically uses up to 200TB over a 36-month contract period, it claimed.
"British businesses are transforming the way they work with new 4G mobile technology, cloud computing and collaboration tools," said Max Taylor, director of corporate business at EE.
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"We are introducing our Super Bundles for businesses that want to transform mobile working for their employees and need a simple, scalable solution."
Kester Mann, senior analyst at CCS Insight, said the massive data allowances would provide businesses with an important competitive edge through increased productivity and cost savings.
"Their greater flexibility will suit many companies that regularly see fluctuations in data usage among the workforce," Mann added.
Rene Millman is a freelance writer and broadcaster who covers cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and the cloud. He also works as a contributing analyst at GigaOm and has previously worked as an analyst for Gartner covering the infrastructure market. He has made numerous television appearances to give his views and expertise on technology trends and companies that affect and shape our lives. You can follow Rene Millman on Twitter.