NTL spreads its virtual wings

NEWS Pending an alliance between the two companies later this week, the service will initially be offered to NTL customers using Orange's brand. However, NTL will eventually use its own brand as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), in a similar deal to the agreement between Virgin and One2One. In return, Orange will receive access to 1.5 million NTL customers and will be able route its calls cheaply by using NTL's fixed lines. The alliance will also allow NTL customers to receive a single bill for a package including pay television, internet as well as fixed-line and mobile telephony. An Orange spokesman confirmed the companies have been in talks since last July when NTL gained the £150m contract to provide Orange's 3G network.