Vodafone Australia announced unexpected slashing of broadband tariffs in the country as it anticipates that the demand for services may slow down due to the ongoing global financial crisis.

The new tariffs applicable include $ 19.95 per month for 1GB mobile broadband plan for a commitment of 24 months. This is $ 10 reduction from earlier rates. Additionally it has done away with the ned for a subscriber to be a Vodafone mobile voice subscriber in order to qualify for its 5GB plan which costs $39.95 per month on a 24 month contract.

Excess data will cost 10 cents per megabyte for both plans.

"Certainly in this market consumers are tightening their belts… we wanted to make our pricing as accessible as possible," a Vodafone spokeswoman said.