In what they describe as a "market beating" deal, 3 is offering customers unlimited texts on two new plans - both of which will be available on 12 month contracts with a selection of free handsets.

Introducing a 12 month option is thanks to 3's own research that suggested that although 18 month deals are fast becoming industry-standard, mobile users still wanted the option of a 12 month deal too.

The new 12-month tariffs comes in at £25 a month for 500 inclusive minutes and unlimited texts and £35 a month for 750 minutes and unlimited texts.

John Penberthy-Smith, marketing director at 3 says: "Our new unlimited text offers are the best on the market and beat the rest of the competition hands down".

Customers will also receive free Windows Live Messenger and free Yahoo! Messenger. The offers are available until 31 May 2008.