Czech properties rebranded alongside IPTV launch
O2 Germany today launched integrated mobile and fixed DSL broadband services aimed at individuals, families and small businesses. From the end of October 2006, customers will be able to choose from three packages offering converged mobile communications, DSL landline telephony and Internet access via DSL.
Today’s announcement builds on O2’s strategy in rolling out converged products and services across its European footprint as well as leveraging the strengths from being part of the wider Telefónica group. Vodafone and Orange are also integrating what fixed and mobile assets they have to offer home broadband and IPTV, as well as mobile services.
Following its acquisition by Telefónica earlier this year, the O2 Group expanded to include Telefónica Deutschland, the fixed DSL provider, and Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, the country’s mobile and fixed telecommunications company, which today unveiled new services under the O2 consumer brand (see below).
In addition, O2 UK recently purchased broadband provider Be for £50 million and will look to offer services from next year.
Rudolf Gröger, chief executive officer of O2 Germany, said: “Our entry into the DSL market, will enable us to serve the two fastest-growing markets in the communications sector – broadband Internet and mobile communications. For O2 DSL we will use our own mobile network and the network of Telefónica Germany, which means that our DSL customers will not require an additional fixed broadband connection.”
Czech re-branding
From tomorrow, Telefónica O2 Czech Republic will offer services under the O2 brand and launch an IP-based TV servicey. O2 will replace the two original brands, CESK TELECOM and Eurotel, and will be used for all fixed line and mobile products.
The change of the corporate identity to O2 involves several major projects, which will be phased in over the next six months.
Together with the brand, Telefónica O2 is also launching new services. The first product, and IPTV sevice called O2 TV, will offer more than 30 broadcast channels available through a fixed connection and is now potentially available to more than one million lines.
The company is also introducing simplified mobile tariffs, which offer additional credit for calls, video calls or SMS as well as a rebate scheme for all new and existing customers who decide to use several products at the same time.
Peter Erskine, chairman and chief executive officer, O2, said: “The O2 brand has gone from strength to strength in Europe after just five years since its inception and the latest independent research among users show it is leading in a number of key areas of customer service and association.
“In addition to the brand, our newest business in the Czech Republic is playing a crucial part in O2’s move beyond mobile into fixed broadband and converged services. Initiatives such as O2 TV in the Czech Republic and O2 Germany’s announcement today that it is to launch a range of integrated mobile and fixed DSL broadband services, will be shared across the O2 Group as our other businesses prepare to roll-out new products and services in this area.”