The G1 phone that uses Google’s Android operating system will go on sale in the UK today.

The G1 will only be available to T-Mobile users and will be given away free with a £40 per month contract, consisting of either the Combi 35 plan, with 800 minutes and unlimited texts, or Flext 40, which gives up to 1,250 minutes or up to 2,500 texts or any mix of the two.

Jim Hyde, managing director of T-Mobile in the UK, said: “With so much excitement generated by the announcement last month, we’re thrilled to bring the T-Mobile G1 to the UK in time for Christmas.”

“It’s set to revolutionise the way we use the internet on our mobiles: it’s uniquely built for effortless online communication - whether you want to email, text or blog - and with access to some groundbreaking applications on Android market, the possibilities really are endless.”

T-Mobile is certainly looking to replicate the success of the iPhone at drawing people to its networks, where in the US it has been credited with enticing up to 30 per cent of customers to change network supplier.

In addition, giving it away free will also shield it from criticism that is growing in the US over the G1’s pricing. The G1 went on sale in the US last week in a deal exclusive to T-Mobile for $179.99 but is now available at Wal-Mart for $148.88, enraging early adopters.