Virgin opens 4GB potential to more users

Virgin Mobile has launched a component-priced mobile plan that allows customers to get 4GB of data quota on their handsets for under $40 a month.

The 'Pick & Mix' plans launched today come with a basic $19 component that included call credit and 100 MB of data.

Users could upgrade the amount of calls, texts or mobile data included in their plan by buying add-on components.

It meant that customers bringing their own handset to the network could opt for the standard $19 call credit and 4GB of data for $39 a month.

Previously, the only way to get 4GB of mobile quota on a Virgin postpaid plan was to opt for the high-end 'topless' product, charged at $89 a month. Topless came with more included calls than the plans announced today.

A Virgin Mobile spokesman said that Pick & Mix customers could tether their handsets to use the included data quota.

Other data options under Pick & Mix included 500MB ($24 a month) and 2GB ($29 a month).

The fine print noted that Pick & Mix was only available on a 24-month contract.

iPad 2

Separately Vodafone has announced that it now carries Apple's iPad 2 on prepaid, 12 month and 24 month plans.