Sweded-based Tele2, a pan-European telco that did have links with one-time wireless broadband outfit Tele2 UK Ltd, is to offer fixed-line residential services in the UK.

Tele2 has more than 20 million customers in 23 countries across Europe with revenues in excess of $4 billion.

Like many other operators in this increasingly crowded area, Tele2's service is based on Carrier Pre Selection (CPS), which enables punters to switch their phone services from BT without having to tap in extra digits, PIN numbers or install additional hardware.

In a statement, Tele2 chief exec, Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, said: "We have had huge success in rolling out the Tele2 service to 23 countries over the last ten years and we are now bringing our low cost model to the UK.

"The introduction of carrier pre-selection means that alternative telecoms provision is now a viable proposition in the UK and we are taking this opportunity to launch in one of the most significant markets in Europe," he said.

Yesterday, telecoms regulator Oftel reported that two million people have deserted BT thanks to CPS and opted for an alternative telco to provide their phone services.

It claims that that signing up to the likes of Carphone Warehouse, One.Tel, Tiscali - and now Tele2 - could enable punters to "get a better deal on their phone bill". ®

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