THE Co-operative Group has teamed up with a Chipping Norton-based phone company to launch its first mobile pay-as-you-go SIM card.

Launching in the spring, the Co-operative Mobile PAYG SIM card will offer highly competitive rates, transparent pricing and extensive UK coverage.

The service will be provided by The Phone Co-op, an independent telecommunications provider in Elmsfield Business Centre, Worcester Road, and will be the first co-operative pre-pay mobile package in the market.

Vivian Woodell, Chief Executive of The Phone Co-op, said: “We are really pleased to be working with The Co-operative Group on this new venture. Launching the first co-operative pre-pay SIM card is an important milestone for us."

Steve Murrells, Chief Executive Retail, The Co-operative Group, added: “This exciting partnership with The Phone Co-op will utilise the strengths of both businesses to provide a mobile pay-as-you-go SIM card package that represents great value for Co-operative customers.”

The Co-operative Mobile PAYG SIM card will be available across the country in 2,800 Co-operative stores, as well as participating stores in The Co-operative Retail Trading Group and customers will also be able to order it by phone and online from The Phone Co-op.