What is Genion/surf@home?

With Genion, O2 has built around a location-based 'Homezone' service which enables its German subscribers to pay fixed network rates for calls initiated from their home area.

To date (2006), it has attracted more than 2.3 million subscribers since its introduction in July 1999. The service was re-launched in June 2005 with a streamlined pricing structure plus new tariff option and package.

Genion, in combination with O2 Germany's mobile broadband product surf@home, also allows the consumer to surf the internet and talk at home without the need for a fixed line, using the 3G (W-CDMA) network.

O2 Germany claims surf@home is the first product in Europe to integrate 3G and WiFi technologies into a single, compact box for use in the home or office.

Customers use their PC, PDA or notebook across a wireless LAN via the box and out over the 3G network to access the Internet at speeds of up to 384 Kbit/s.

www.o2.com/services/genion.asp