BT enters mobile phone broadband market

BT has launched a new broadband package that will offer consumers access to the internet on the move.

The Broadband Anywhere service includes a HTC S620 or S710 smartphone that can surf the web via GPRS or a wi-fi connection at BT OpenZone hotspots. When the handset is used outside of these areas additional charges will be incurred.

A total of four packages are initially available, ranging between £23.99 and £59.99 a month.

John Petter, consumer managing director at BT, claimed that technological convergence was being driven by customer demand.

He said: "Customers want consistent access to the things that matter not only at home, but in the palm of their hands wherever they are."

Dan Barrett from BT added: "You can make calls, send texts, take photos, access emails and the internet. They're completely integrated with your home broadband."

BT faces a challenge to succeed given that the two market leaders, Apple's iPhone and the Blackberry, have a significant head start in the mobile internet sector.