From informa.com
"Orange is to offer free broadband in the UK through its Wanadoo business as the pair officially merge next week, according to reports.
The UK's Guardian newspaper says an announcement on the free broadband - the second in the UK following Carphone Warhouse's move last month - is expected next Wednesday.
The deal has not yet been signed off by France Telecom according to the report which suggests a huge advertising campaign due on "O-Day" - June 1, when the Orange and Wanadoo businesses are finally merged.
Wanadoo currently has around one million broadband subscribers and another one million dial-up customers who may be tempted by Carphone Warehouse's free offer. Orange is keen to reduce the losses it makes to Carphone as well as launching the newly merged organisation with a memorable baptism.
According to the reports, which neither Orange nor Wanadoo will comment on, customers wanting to sign up for the "free" broadband will have to take out a mobile phone contract. Cheap fixed-line calls are also expected to be given to customers.
In a statement Orange said: "Despite reports in today's Guardian newspaper, Orange has not confirmed the details of its new broadband offer. We will be announcing details of new services next week and look forward to giving you more information then."
Carphone Warehouse ties users into its TalkTalk telephony service which is dependent on customers signing up for 18 months.
Carphone Warehouse was not available for comment. "
triple play huh?
"Orange is to offer free broadband in the UK through its Wanadoo business as the pair officially merge next week, according to reports.
The UK's Guardian newspaper says an announcement on the free broadband - the second in the UK following Carphone Warhouse's move last month - is expected next Wednesday.
The deal has not yet been signed off by France Telecom according to the report which suggests a huge advertising campaign due on "O-Day" - June 1, when the Orange and Wanadoo businesses are finally merged.
Wanadoo currently has around one million broadband subscribers and another one million dial-up customers who may be tempted by Carphone Warehouse's free offer. Orange is keen to reduce the losses it makes to Carphone as well as launching the newly merged organisation with a memorable baptism.
According to the reports, which neither Orange nor Wanadoo will comment on, customers wanting to sign up for the "free" broadband will have to take out a mobile phone contract. Cheap fixed-line calls are also expected to be given to customers.
In a statement Orange said: "Despite reports in today's Guardian newspaper, Orange has not confirmed the details of its new broadband offer. We will be announcing details of new services next week and look forward to giving you more information then."
Carphone Warehouse ties users into its TalkTalk telephony service which is dependent on customers signing up for 18 months.
Carphone Warehouse was not available for comment. "
triple play huh?