Woolworths to sell Optus 3G and data deals

in brief Woolworths' chief executive Michael Luscombe says uptake of its "talk and text" prepaid mobile packages, which rely on Optus' 2G network, has been so successful that it will now offer 3G and data packages.

"[This is one area] where we have to go back and readjust our business plan because initial take up has surpassed what we thought it would be," Luscombe said this morning at the retail giant's full-year earnings announcement.

Woolworths only launched the prepaid mobile product earlier this month, but did not expect its core customers to demand 3G or data packages. However, Lucscombe today said the program was so successful it would now take on the 3G market.

"We believe on this we can move on to 3G going forward," he said.

To create the plans launched earlier, Woolworths had teamed up with Optus to offer a flat rate for voice calls of 15 cents flagfall and 15 cents for every 30 seconds of conversation. The rate applied to both mobile and fixed-line calls. Text messages cost 15 cents.

"It's cheap, it's text and talk — it's 2G, which is the bulk of the market," Luscombe said of the offer.

Details on pricing and an expected launch date for 3G packages have not yet been disclosed.