Times Online to charge users from June

News International has unveiled its paid-for model for access to The Times and The Sunday Times’ online content.

From June, users will be charged £1 for a day’s access to Times Online or £2 for a full week’s subscription.

In a statement, Rebekah Brooks, chief executive of the News Corp-owned business, suggested paywalls around The Sun and the News of the World‘s online content would follow.

“This is just the start. The Times and The Sunday Times are the first of our four titles in the UK to move to this new approach,” Brooks said. “These new sites, and the apps that will enhance the experience, reflect the identity of our titles and deliver a terrific experience for readers. We expect to attract a growing base of loyal customers that are committed and engaged with our titles.”

The Times and The Sunday Times are due to relaunch their website in early May, a month before the paywalls come into operation.  Registered users can sign up for a free trial period from today at timesplus.co.uk.

The new move by News International will see The Times and its sister title become the first UK papers to fully charge for online content.

The daily payment will give users access to both titles’ digital content, while the weekly subscription is set to include an e-paper and new applications, according to reports.

Customers who subscribe to print versions of The Times and The Sunday Times will also be able to access the titles’ digital content.

In the latest ABCe release, Times Online – which includes The Times and The Sunday Times – saw its daily users rise 6% to 1.22 million, although monthly browsers fell to 20.42 million.

If 5% of daily users sign up to the paid-for model, each buying a £1 daily pass, the company will generate revenues of around £1.83 million.  If 10% convert, the company will make around £3.66 million per month.  However, if more people favour the weekly subscription, revenues will be lower.