Wanadoo to become Orange

Wanadoo, the Internet service provider, is changing its name to Orange. France Telecom, the owner of both Wanadoo and Orange is implementing the change to create more unified business identity.

Wanadoo will be phased out both in the UK and across all its other European areas of operation, starting next year. It was known as Freeserve in the UK until 2004.

The parent company will continue to be known as France Telecom, as will the company’s core fixed line operations.

In the UK, France Telecom’s specific Equant fixed line service for businesses will also be renamed Orange. It is estimated that the rebranding could cost as much as £134m.

France Telecom announced the name change alongside its three-year growth strategy. This includes plans to double its dividend for shareholders, and continued cost reduction measures.