Posted: 16th Nov, 2006 By: MarkJ
Hutchison Whampoa, the company behind UK 3G mobile operator '3' (Three), is planning to introduce fixed-line style broadband services via mobile phones:
The Hong Kong-based ports-to-telecoms conglomerate said its 3 UK mobile operation in Britain would offer services next month such as unlimited web calling, instant messaging, search and other applications on mobile handsets for a flat monthly fee.
Called X-Series, the service will be priced like fixed-line broadband and will be rolled out in the group's eight other 3G markets early next year. It will initially be available on two handsets -- the Nokia N93 and the Sony Ericsson W950.
Customers will be able to make unlimited calls over the web from their mobiles using Skype software, watch their home TV on mobiles, access their home computer remotely and have access to messaging services from Yahoo, Microsoft and Google.
No precise details of the package or pricing are given, although the press statement talks more about "services" than access, which suggests that the product may not be comparable to fixed-line alternatives.