The MVNO first announced it would launch in 2022 for a 2023 start, with Vodafone providing the network
Sky Mobile has officially launched in Ireland and introduced a ‘Price for Life’ launch plan including Unlimited calls, texts and 5G data for €15 – meaning customers will pay €15 per month, for life. The MVNO also offers a 10GB plan from €10, for customers who don’t want or need an unlimited plan. The operator is planning to offer a combination of sim-only and device-based offerings. Using Vodafone’s network, Sky Mobile will provide over 99% 4G coverage and 5G coverage across the country along with 4G Calling, all of which are included as standard in Sky Mobile’s plan.
In March 2022, Sky Ireland originally announced launch Sky Mobile in 2023 after partnering Vodafone and the only difference to that announcement is the inclusion of 5G in the packages. The delay is perhaps unsurprising given that Sky’s launch is the first new MVNO to launch in Ireland for close to a decade. The operator joins An Post and Clear Mobile on Vodafone’s wholesale network although the latter MVNO is owned by Vodafone.
As a result of Sky’s announcement An Post announced it was extending its €12.99 mobile plan until 31 October. That plan includes 50GB of data and 500 any-network minutes, in addition to 100 minutes and 100 texts with other An Post Mobile customers, as well as 25GB and 250 minutes EU & UK roaming – all “locked in for life”.
Sky is launching with a selection of handsets from Samsung, Xiaomi and HMD – together with a range of sim-only plans and the MVNO made several promises which it hopes will entice users to consider bundling mobile with its pay TV offers or take directly.
Promises promises
The first promise is if a customer takes a handset from Sky Mobile, their bills will be split between the handset and airtime costs – and once the handset is paid for, their bill will automatically reduce by the handset amount, meaning customers will never continue paying for a handset, after it has been paid for.
The second is the ability to change data plans whenever a user needs to, through the ‘My Sky’ app. Sky Mobile customers will also be able to swap their handsets for the latest model a year before their phone contract ends, at no extra cost. Sky Mobile said customers can expect “more value” from their mobile plan, like sharing data with family and friends, discounts on handsets and rewards, including return European flights or cinema tickets.
“Our launch plan for customers is Unlimited calls, texts and 5G data for €15 and that price is for life,” said Sky CEO JD Buckley. “Our Sky Mobile proposition has been built with our customers at its core – providing a service that is fair, flexible and transparent. We believe Irish mobile consumers deserve better than what is currently in the market, and we have launched Sky Mobile to fill that gap.”
Sky Mobile customers who purchase handsets will have the option to pay for their handsets fully upfront or using a Credit Sale Agreement to pay for it over 24 or 36 months, with 0% APR. The MVNO said customers will also have access to worldwide roaming services, available in over 150 countries and Sky Mobile’s Roam Like Home service will be available in 44 countries including the UK and EU.
The MVNO reckons it’s onto a winner with splitting customer’s bills between their airtime plan and handset costs. “Our research has told us that when customers come to the end of their contract with some of the other operators in the Irish market, they continue to pay more than necessary, because they are still being charged for a handset that they have already paid for,” said Sky Mobile director Aideen Chambers.
“Our research tells us that over 300,000 customers in the market are significantly overpaying on their mobile bill. With Sky Mobile, this won’t happen. Once your handset has been paid for, your bill will automatically reduce, and you will only pay for your airtime,” she added.