Hutchison redefines mobile Internet access

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 16 November 2006 16:48

Your IT - Home IT

Hutchison Whampoa has unveiled a stunning development. It has brought together a group of global Internet companies and handset makers Nokia and Sony Ericsson to launch broadband mobile Internet access on the same flat fee cost model as fixed broadband Internet, including free Skype calling and unlimited web browsing and instant messaging from mobile handsets.

The company has announced the global launch of the X-Series form 3: a move it describes the beginning of Internet access via mobile broadband, saying it will extend access to several of the core applications and uses of the broadband internet to the mobile handset, with a new pricing model.

The full range of X-services from 3 will initially be available on two handsets the Nokia N73 and the Sony Ericsson W950i. An X-Series customer will be able to make and receive unlimited Skype calls with Skype PC users anywhere in the world, and to any other Skype 3 mobile customer. Skype to Skype calls on a 3 mobile will be free.

Users will be able to watch their home television via their mobile using Sling, access their home PC remotely using Orb and have access to Internet and messaging services from Yahoo!, Windows Live Messenger and Google.

Hutchison promises that the X-Series will be priced like fixed line broadband, offering the use of mobile Internet service for a flat fee. The X-Series from 3 will be available in the UK from the 1st December 2006 and in 3's other markets around the world in early 2007. The company says that each 3 company will provide further details as it launches the X-Series in its market.