BT Group Launches Combined Fixed, Mobile Phone Service"

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- BT Wednesday launched the world's first combined fixed and mobile phone service.

BT Fusion works just like a mobile phone when you are out and about, but switches automatically and seamlessly onto a BT Broadband line when you get home. That means you get all the convenience and all the features of a mobile phone but with fixed lines prices and quality.

BT Fusion can offer customers huge savings by allowing calls to U.K. landline numbers to be charged at BT landline rates of 5.5 pence for up to an hour for all off-peak calls and 3 pence a minute at peak times.

Calls over broadband in the home means customers can make a mobile call but with the quality of a fixed-line and worry less about the signal being lost or dropping out. A recent survey of BT Broadband customers revealed that as many as 19% had experienced problems with mobile coverage in the home.

It is all made possible by a special access point installed in the home - called the BT Hub - which uses Bluetooth wireless technology to switch the BT Fusion handset seamlessly to the broadband line - even in mid-call.

The BT hub also works as a wireless (Wi-Fi) router- allowing the user to connect up PCs, laptops, games consoles and printers wirelessly around the home.

Ian Livingston, CEO for BT Retail, said: "The launch of BT Fusion will start with approximately 400 early adopter customers, with the service being widely available for delivery in September."

"BT is taking a world lead in pushing forward fixed-mobile convergence and BT Fusion will form a significant part of our growth plans."

Customers signing up to BT Fusion will get one free handset, available at launch is the BT branded Motorola v560. Secondary handsets at launch will also be free of charge.

Customers will be eligible for a free BT hub (wireless base station).

Users will need to choose a mobile phone 'package' (exactly the same as when choosing a standard contract mobile phone). Customers at launch will have the following choice: BT Fusion 100, offering 100 cross-network, anytime inclusive minutes - launch pricing of GBP9.99 a month; or BT Fusion 200, offering 200 cross-network, anytime inclusive minutes - launch pricing of GBP14.99 a month.

Secondary subscribers will be charged a monthly subscription of GBP9.99.

Full pricing details for roll-out will be announced in September.

Calls to U.K. landlines originated in the home will be charged at BT landline rates of 5.5 pence for up to an hour at evening & weekends and 3 pence a minute daytime.

All other types of call made in the home are charged at normal mobile rates.

All calls made outside the home will be charged at normal mobile rates.

BT Fusion customers will also require Broadband from BT (from GBP17.99 a month online/with Direct Debit or add GBP1) and a BT Line (from GBP10.50 a month with Direct Debit or add GBP1).

(END) Dow Jones Newswires"

Posted to the site on 15th June 2005