Telegraph to use metered paywall

The Daily Telegraph is set to launch a metered paywall for its website following a successful trial of the system.

The newspaper will allow web users to read 20 free articles a month before offering one of two subscription packages; the web pack which offers users unlimited access to the paper’s online content, plus access to its smartphone apps, for £1.99 per month; and the full digital pack, which also includes access to the Telegraph titles on tablet devices plus loyalty club membership, and will cost £9.99 a month.

In November last year the Telegraph launched a metered paywall model, similar to that used by the New York Times, for its international users. The newsbrand claims that 90% of those who signed up for a month-long free trial went on to subscribe to the site.

“The Telegraph publishes the finest writers in Britain,” says editor Tony Gallagher. “We want to develop a closer rapport with our digital audience in the UK, and we intend to unveil a number of compelling digital products for our loyal subscribers in the months ahead.”

Graham Horner, marketing director of Telegraph Media Group, said: “This step marks the next stage in our subscription strategy. Our priority is always to deliver choice and value to our customers; the continual evolution of our subscription packages ensures that we deliver on this promise.”

Telegraph.co.uk is the third most popular UK national newspaper online. It attracted just over 3 million daily browsers, on average, last month according to ABC data.