Orange is to start offering its business punters Wi-Fi access from next month with its new "Business Everywhere" package, giving users access to Wi-Fi and 3G services in a single bill.

The France Telecom-owned cellco has some 1,700 Wi-Fi hotspots in the UK and access to a further 12,000 overseas as part of a partnership with Orange France, BT Openzone and WeRoam.

According to the blurb, this combined service enables users to mix their Wi-Fi, 3G and GPRS, "setting no requirements to 'use or lose' minimum portions of any network type".

"The new software will greatly simplify the management of mobility solutions for business customers by offering one contract, one bill and one customer service point of contact, regardless of the network accessed," said Orange in a statement.

Orange's Wi-Fi service costs £6 an hour, which can be spread across several connections in any 24 hour period.

In September BT launched a combined Wi-Fi, 3G and GPRS tariff for road warriors and other business folk on the move.

Known as "BT Datazone", punters are able to access the internet and check emails via more than 7,800 BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots in the UK and Ireland, or "on the move" through a 3G or GPRS connection. ®

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