Orange combine Wifi, 2G and GPRS access

December 15, 2005

Orange UK announced the launch of Business Everywhere - an integrated mobile solution for connecting to business applications via the Internet which will include access to over 13,000 Wifi hotspots across the UK and the rest of the world.

Available in January 2006, Business Everywhere software for laptop data cards allows access to 3G, GPRS and Wifi networks. Combined with new data pricing. the new software 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.

The combined service allows users to mix their use of Wifi, 3G and GPRS, setting no requirements to 'use or lose' minimum portions of any network type. The new data pricing will also include country specific flat rates, whether users are in the UK or roaming abroad. Multiple cash bundles of various prices mean that the service will be available to sole traders through to large organisations.

Orange is also launching Orange Wifi Access on 19 December, offering business users access to an international network of 12,000 hotspots, through a partnership with Orange France, BT Openzone and WeRoam. The network will include around 1,700 Wifi hotspots across in the UK. Customers will benefit from a simple integrated 'e-voucher' payment structure that includes same price billing for UK and international roaming usage.

Shaun Orpen, Marketing Director of Orange Business Solutions in the UK, said: "Business Everywhere will enable our business customers to effortlessly select the best available technology to work remotely from more locations and all over the world.

"Our research has shown that the trend for flexible and mobile working is increasing. Today 47 per cent of companies allow this kind of working practice and of those that don't, 24 per cent plan to support it in the future."

To access the Wifi network, Orange users send a blank text message to the 9434 short-code and receive a username and password to login in at the hotspot. Payment is will appear on the customer's monthly Orange bill. Orange Wifi Access will be available at GBP6 for an hour's access, which can be spread across several connections in any 24 hour period.