16/02/2009

Orange has come to an agreement with Hewlett Packard to pre-install a series of laptops with 3G broadband connectivity.

The mobile broadband provider will market the devices across Europe, with notebooks and new HP Minis in line to be fitted with SIM cards.

Orange will attempt to penetrate markets in the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Portugal, expecting mobile broadband-enabled laptops to continue to grow in popularity.

'The demand for mobile broadband is a global phenomenon,' said Olaf Swantee, senior executive vice-president of Orange's communications services.

He went on: 'Adding a select range of HP notebooks and Minis to our successful portfolio of connected offers is just the kick-off phase.

'We will define new ways to bring services to customers, from co-marketing activities through to distribution, supply chain and care, reinforcing our commitment to make it easy for everyone to access the internet and their content, whenever and wherever they want.'

The latest Compaq Mini 700 will be available to British customers as part of a mobile broadband contract for £30 per month.