23 June 2006
O2 has announced that it has purchased the internet service provider Be for £50 million.
It also suggested that it was eyeing a move into the "quadruple play" market, in which single firms offer mobile, broadband, home phone and television services.
The company said that the purchase of Be gave it a platform for developing converged services involving mobile telephony and the internet.
"Building on our existing fixed/mobile capability in Germany, the Czech Republic and the Isle of Man, Be's superior broadband operations and services help us fulfil our previously-stated aim of adding high quality broadband capability to our portfolio in the UK," said Peter Erskine, chairman and chief executive of O2.
Managing director of Be, Dana Pressman, added: "I am delighted that we are becoming part of such a respected and dynamic organisation as O2.
"With 16 million customers in the UK and significant opportunities for future growth in fixed and mobile, this is the start of an exciting new era for all of us within Be."
Be's network should be available to approximately 50% of the UK by the end of 2006.
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