THE Telecom Eireann mobile phone subsidiary Eircell is to introduce a new range of mobile phone charges from October 21st. Eircell has estimated that 96 per cent of its customers will be "better off" under the new scheme.

Applicable to both analogue and digital networks, the five new price options will be directly related to the time a customer spends talking on a mobile phone.

Eircell chief executive Mr Stephen Brewer said some customers could save up to 20 per cent on their bills.

The basic option is aimed at people who use their mobile phones occasionally. They can opt for a monthly charge of £12.10 and a call rate of 54.45p per minute (peak time) and 27.23p (off-peak).

Customers who choose the Eirtime 30 option can pay a monthly charge of £24.20 which will include 30 minutes of "talk time".

Additional calls are billed at 36.30p per minute (peak) and 18.15p (off peak). The Eirtime 60 option, which includes 60 minutes of talk time, involves a monthly charge of £36.30 and call charges of 30.25p per minute (peak) and 15.13p (off peak).

Rentals on the Eirtime 180 and 480 options which include talk time of 180 and 480 minutes respectively are £72.60 and £145.20 per month.