Orange introduces ISP, portal

Mobile operator Orange Wednesday announced an ISP and wireless portal, Orange.net. The service will allow users to surf the Net over a wireless connection or receive information services such as a news feed over their phones; it also includes a personal organiser, Internet searching and online billing.

The service might seem futuristic, but users can expect to pay for it: with wireless data connection speeds currently at 9600 baud, or about the rate of modems five years ago. Industry analysts see the service as mostly useful for the information service and for occasional emergency use.

Orange plans to expand the site next year to include restaurant listings, a cash machine finder and maps. Search is provided by the US' Inktomi, with UUNET providing the infrastructure.

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