Mitchell Bingemann | November 28, 2008
VODAFONE and Dell have partnered to launch Australia's first $0 3G netbook bundle next month.
Netbooks are mainly used to connect to the internet and have smaller form factors and less applications compared with laptops.
Similar to the ubiquitous mobile phone sales model where customers pay for a hardware and service bundle in monthly instalments, the Vodafone and Dell partnership will offer the Inspiron Mini 9 at no cost upfront with 5GB of data for $69.95 per month over a two-year contract.
With an embedded Vodafone 3G modem, the Dell netbook will allow users to access the internet over Vodafone’s HSDPA network. Customer will be granted a monthly 5GB quota of download limit but a fee of 10c per MB will be charged if users exceed their limit.
An exit fee of $55 multiplied by the number of months remaining on the contract will also be charged to customers looking to opt out early from the deal.
According to Vodafone the minimum total cost over the life of the 24-month contract will be $1678.80.
On its own the Inspiron Mini 9 retails for $599.
“We’re very excited about this deal because the Inspiron Mini 9 is all about getting out and roaming onto the internet and with access to Vodafone’s network customers now have the perfect bundle,” Dell Australia general manager for consumer, Evan Williams, said.
While the deal between Vodafone and Dell is not exclusive Mr Williams said Dell was not in talks with other telcos.
"We’re happy with our relationship with Vodafone and won’t be reviewing the market until the new year,” he said.
Vodafone’s general manager of consumer markets, Edward Goff, said the sales model would be expanded to smartphones and laptops in the near future.
“We think this is the first step in driving consumer demand for ultimate connectivity,” he said.