UK network provider Vodafone has announced the launch of a new scheme, called Data Test Drive, which aims to promote the use of data services by offering unlimited data for free.

The unlimited data scheme, which will allow new contract customers and those who are upgrading their smartphones to download apps and other content on their devices for free, will run for three months.

The unlimited service allows users to use as much data as they like without any fear of surpassing their normal contract limits.

Vodafone’s consumer director Srini Gopalan said that Data Test Drive scheme would allow customers to experiment with their smartphones and explore all the existing apps.

Announcing the free scheme, Gopalan said, “We want customers to really play with their new handset and Data Test Drive will give them the confidence to find the apps they love and features they will use regularly.”

However the Data Test Drive scheme, which has made debut on the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, doesn’t include the use of data services while roaming.