Thanks to more and more networks moving to stripped down plans and trying to make money every way they can, it is welcoming to hear news such as this. It’s not like we haven’t been asking mobile networks both here and abroad to offer us cheaper data plans. And it’s not like we haven’t asked that data used on a mobile phone be counted the same way as data used on a laptop or tablet. Last time we checked, 1MB of data was universal whether you used it on a Nokia N8 with a 3.7 inch screen or a Dell notebook with a 15 inch screen. Well thanks to some common sense thinking from O2 and their staff, it looks like we just might have got through to at least one company.

O2 Wireless announced today that they will be dropping their surcharge for using your data plan to tether a laptop or other internet connected device other than a mobile phone. That being said, you won’t be getting unlimited data with this service, but at least you will have some decent options for basic web access.

For 100MB of data, it will run you £2.50, step that up to 500MB and the price will double (£5.00). For those looking for a full gigabyte of data, the price will increase to a cool £8.33. Both the 500MB and the 1GB plan include unlimited access to UK Wi-Fi and the 500 GB plan will include 20 UK MMS while the 1GB plan will up that to 50 MMS.

While not the cheapest of plans, it is nice to know that you will not have to shell out additional pounds if you want to connect that laptop or iPad to your device.

Source: O2

There is a new kid in town and it costs as much as an iPhone 3G. You know that tough tablet phone surviving stabs from a screwdriver? Yes, getting the Dell Streak will cost just as much as an iPhone 3G when gotten with a contract from The Carphone Warehouse. By opting for a 25 GBP mobile broadband plan or a 35 GBP voice and unlimited data plan, you will get the 5 inch tablet phone for free.

For those who simply do not want to be tied down in a mobile data plan or contract, then you may opt to get the tablet phone on its own but it will cost you. If you get it off contract, the Dell Streak is priced at 429 GBP, which is the same cost you will be paying if you opt for a 16 GB iPad.

There is no word yet whether O2 UK will be able to give lower tariffs or if it will be a bit more expensive but considering previous trends, it is more likely that they will be a tad bit cheaper.

The tablet phone, powered by Google’s little green robot is definitely an entertainment powerhouse. It carries a super fast 1 GHz Snapdragon processor which lets you connect, browse the internet and fiddle with its multitude of available apps without experiencing even a small hiccup.

Having a 5 inch screen is nothing to scoff at as well. It gives you all the necessary space to read web pages or watch videos at your leisure. You get all the perks of having laptop and mobile phone rolled into one. The best part is that it fits in your jacket pocket so you can always keep it close at hand. The Dell Streak will be out and available for UK consumers on June 4.