Friday, September 26, 2008

Yahoo! And 3 Group Launch Portable Broadband Product

Yahoo! And 3 Group Launch Portable Broadband Product

Sep 26, 2008 08:04:31 (ET)

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Hutchison Whampoa Ltd.'s (HUWHY) mobile operator 3 Group and Internet company Yahoo! (YHOO) said Friday they have launched a product to provide portable broadband access.

The Yahoo Internet Key, a portable USB modem key, allows consumers to access the Internet wherever they are through the 3 network. The key, smaller than the palm of a hand, removes the need for a fixed line or wireless Internet and can be plugged into any computer or laptop, the companies said.

The firms also said the key will provide Internet access below prices for fixed-line broadband.

The product initially is being launched in Italy, but the companies plan to roll the scheme out across Europe in 2009.

The key will be available free online with the purchase of a monthly contract through Yahoo Italy's mobile broadband Web site, and a pay-as-you-go version will be available to buy in 3 stores and at other 3 distributor shops in Italy starting Monday.

Company Web sites: www.three.com ; www.yahoo.com

-By Erica Herrero-Martinez, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 (0)20 7842 9353; erica.herrero-martinez@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 26, 2008 08:04 ET (12:04 GMT)

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