France Telecom to launch hybrid mobile/fixed handsets

The new “Unik” phones will operate as usual on the Orange mobile network, but when a client is at home, the phone will connect automatically to the fixed residential line via a WiFi link. This is similar to what BT launched in the UK earlier this year.

The service requires the Livebox broadband decoder from France Telecom, and will cost an additional 10-15 eur per month for Orange subscribers.

An estimated 30 pct of mobile calls are made from the home, and France Telecom hopes that 15 pct of its Orange clients will sign up for the service by the end of 2008.

The “Unik” handsets will be built by Nokia, Motorola, and Samsung, and will have an average sale price of about 100 eur.

Technorati : France Telecom, Mobile
Ice Rocket : France Telecom, Mobile