LONDON: Mobile operator Orange U.K. is launching a new service, Business Everywhere, bundling 3G, GPRS and Wi-Fi into one package and with a single bill.
France Telecom-owned Orange will have access to nearly 1,700 Wi-Fi hotspots in the country and some 12,000 overseas. The service will enable users to mix their Wi-Fi, 3G and GPRS, setting no requirements to 'use or lose' minimum portions of the networks they use.
Orange said in a statement that the new software it is introducing will greatly simplify the management of mobility solutions for business customers by "offering one contract, one bill and one customer service point of contact, regardless of the network accessed".
Orange charges 6 pounds an hour for its Wi-Fi service. This can be spread across several connections in any 24-hour period.
BT Group already operates a similar service since September. Called, BT Datazone, it combines Wi-Fi, 3G and GPRS and is basically meant for people on the move. The service provides access to the internet through the 7,800 BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots in the U.K. and Ireland or through a 3G or GPRS connection.
Vodafone, O2 and T-Mobile are the other operators, who have telecom services in combination with Wi-Fi.
Orange will not own any Wi-Fi network in the U.K. but has an arrangement with BT Group which will enable its customers to access hotspots operated by BT Openzone, BT and WeRoam. In addition, the customers will also have access to hotspots operated by Orange France in Accor Hotels in the U.K. and outside the country, numbering 12,000.
The service will cost a set amount each month but it will not have any specified limit of usage on any of the networks, which have different tariff plans. The customer will be billed on the basis of his usage of each network. Access charges for 3G and GPRS networks will be based on the amount of data downloaded, while Wi-Fi charges will be based on minutes of use.
Posted
on : Sun, 18 Dec 2005 07:55 GMT | General News
By : Paula Jenkins
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