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France Telecom began the rebranding process last year, which will cost an estimated €200mn and involve all its Internet and mobile phone services.

For many Wanadoo customers this will be the second name change they have had to adapt to, having switched from Freeserve two years ago.

Wanadoo explained that this latest rebranding

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exercise is a 'natural step'.

'Wanadoo and Orange have been sister companies for several years,' it said. 'Having developed a strong partnership, the natural step is for us to join forces to create one integrated communications company for our customers. We've chosen Orange as it's the strongest brand, with a name which is well known and trusted throughout the world.'

Existing Internet subscribers will be able to retain their email address(es) and there should be no effect on the service. Wanadoo currently has 2.6 million active accounts and is aiming to double that by 2008.

However it will not be leveraging its network of high street Orange stores to sell or provide support for its broadband services, though it has not ruled out doing to in the future

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