Here's an announcement on a fixed mobile convergence solution from Orange along with Cable & Wireless. Leaves me wondering if Rob Evans will be making it over for the VON conference in a couple of weeks. He's my only real contact with Orange and I'd love to hear what new things they have coming.

cable&wireless first to market with fixed mobile convergence service

Cable&Wireless Announces Fixed Mobile Convergence Service
and National Roaming Agreement with Orange UK

4 March 2008 - Cable&Wireless Europe, Asia & US today announced a five-year partnership deal with Orange to use its network to provide national roaming in the UK for its new and first to market fixed mobile convergence (FMC) service.

The landmark agreement means Cable&Wireless has selected Orange as its mobile partner for provision of services to Cable&Wireless' existing and new IP Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) customers and marks a further step in the company's ambition of providing customers with a great service wherever they are.

As a result of this agreement, Cable&Wireless FMC customers will be able to connect to the Orange mobile network when out of range of Cable&Wireless’ in-building mobile network. This will ensure they have national coverage wherever they go. This service will enable enterprise customers to rationalise the number of devices they provide to employees, reducing overall costs of telephony and improving user productivity by ensuring they can be contacted on one telephone number with one voicemail system at all times.

Cable&Wireless secured a low-power GSM spectrum licence in May 2006, which allows the company to put in place dedicated mobile infrastructure in buildings using standard GSM technology, providing improved coverage. Cable&Wireless' FMC service is based on industry standards and works with standard GSM mobile handsets enabling a simple and cost effective transition to the service. While connected to the in-building network, calls are carried over the Cable&Wireless IP network minimising cost and enhancing value.

Keith Greenfield, Director of Wholesale at Orange said: "Orange has one of the most robust, reliable and comprehensive networks in the UK, covering 99 per cent of the population and we're always looking to partner with companies who will benefit from the solutions we can provide. Cable&Wireless’s enterprise customers will now be able to keep in touch wherever they are using the Orange network.”

Jim Marsh, CEO of Cable&Wireless Europe, Asia and USA said: "Our FMC service will enable Cable&Wireless to address a mobile corporate market, which is worth an estimated £500m annually[1]. Our enterprise customers are demanding mobile solutions that allow them to control their costs and increase productivity. They are looking for a trusted partner to help them navigate through the risks and complexities of putting in place such a solution and have recognised that we are well positioned to take them on this path of true convergence."

About Orange
Orange is a key brand of the France Telecom Group, providing mobile, broadband, fixed, business and entertainment services across Europe. It is one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with more than 170 million customers on five continents.

In June, 2006, Orange became the single brand for mobile, broadband and multi-play offers. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new banner for business communications solutions. Orange Business Services is present in 166 countries with network reach in 220.

In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UK population. At the end of December 2007, Orange had over 16.8 million customers in the UK – 15.6 million active mobile customers and nearly 1.14 million broadband customers.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited.

Further information about Orange and France Telecom can be found on the Orange website at http://www.orange.co.uk or the France Telecom website at http://www.francetelecom.com

About Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless is one of the world’s leading international communications companies. It operates through two standalone business units - Europe, Asia & US and International.

The Europe, Asia & US business unit (formerly known as the "UK" business) provides enterprise and carrier solutions to the largest users of telecoms services across the UK, US, continental Europe and Asia, and wholesale broadband services in the UK. With experience of delivering connectivity to 153 countries - and an intention to be the first customer-defined communications services business - the focus is on delivering customers a service experience that is second to none.

The International business unit operates integrated telecommunications companies in 33 countries offering mobile, broadband, domestic and international fixed line services to residential and business customers, with principal operations in the Caribbean, Panama, Macau, Monaco and the Channel Islands.

For more information about Cable & Wireless, go to www.cw.com