Orange launches converged services

Wanadoo, Equant and Etrali will become part of the overall Orange service

France Telecom is launching a converged service that combines its mobile, fixed-line, broadband and business communications offerings, the company announced today.

The move means the end of the road for the Wanadoo, Equant and Etrali brands as they all become part of the overall Orange service. 

In an attempt to head off competition from the recent launch of Carphone Warehouse's Talk Talk 'free' internet service, Orange is offering a nationwide broadband service that includes free internet access plus free calls from fixed-line to Orange mobile phones.

The package will be offered to customers who pay £30 or more for a mobile contract. It will include up to 8MB broadband, a wireless modem with VoIP phone connection, and free evening and weekend calls to UK landlines using the Wireless & Talk VoIP service.

For an extra £6 per month, customers can get free VoIP calls to UK landlines at any time, and Orange Pay Monthly customers will be offered free calls to Orange mobiles.

Orange will also tie all its business products together under the new name Orange Business Services.

This includes Equant's international IP communication and IT services, Etrali's voice-trading products and Orange's mobile business services.

"The evolution of Orange from mobile company to total communications provider is at the heart of France Telecom's NExT strategy for integrated telecoms," said a statement from Orange.

The company has plans to launch other products across its combined services. These include music, gaming, security, a home TV platform and an integrated service that lets people use the same phone for fixed or mobile talk depending on whether they are inside or outside the home.