The Carphone Warehouse takes strides into the wireless future

The Carphone Warehouse today launches The Broadband Shop, a dedicated area in-store giving the choice of T-Mobile, Orange, Virgin Media, 3, TalkTalk and AOL Broadband. Customers will now receive impartial advice about broadband however it's delivered, whether it's via the phone line, cable or on the move.

Broadband is rapidly replacing dial-up internet connections in UK homes* as prices fall and compelling offers such as TalkTalk free broadband, introduced in April 2006, and AOL Broadband's free Dell laptop (launched today) capture the imagination. For the first time under one roof, The Broadband Shop can offer advice on the full range of broadband delivery options.

"We've built the business on impartial advice and we're first to claim that position in broadband bringing the same principles that we brought to mobile," said Charles Dunstone, CEO of The Carphone Warehouse. "Customers have had incredible choice in the broadband market but it's been matched by the levels of confusion. We can now advise on the right service for the individual, whatever the circumstance. For instance, TalkTalk customers pay for their home phone service and get broadband for free but if you prefer cable, want access to the internet on the move or don't have a landline, we now offer something that fits in with your lifestyle."

Also today, The Carphone Warehouse is increasing its offer of a free Dell Inspiron laptop worth £450 to the first 160,000. Following over 50,000 pre-registrations for the offer since it was first revealed seven weeks ago, The Carphone Warehouse has extended its contract with Dell which goes live in store and online today.

All customers will benefit from both Dell's market-leading range of laptops and support, with the option to upgrade the laptop for a small extra cost, and AOL Broadband's award-winning customer service and technical support.

Charles Dunstone said: "We want to provide the assurance, great value and comfort that consumers would expect from brands like The Carphone Warehouse, AOL Broadband and Dell. With a fantastic, powerful new laptop and wireless broadband, our customers will be free to be online whenever and wherever they want."

Customers can sign up for the free laptop deal at http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/freelaptop

Following a successful launch in London and the South West the Geek Squad is rolling out nationally with the launch of it's 24 hour subscription service MyGeek.

MyGeek is a unique service offering round-the-clock support and advice over the phone. For a monthly cost of just £7** we will do everything within our powers to find the source of your technology problems, and put things right. You'll also receive all manner of geeky hints and tips to help you make the most out of your computer.

The Carphone Warehouse has 783 stores nationwide and a rigorous training programme has ensured that staff are now all-round communication experts, primed to answer questions about download speeds and limits, wireless routers and USBs. For additional support at home, The Geek Squad can help you set up your broadband, install your wireless router or give your computer an MOT.

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

The Carphone Warehouse has 783 stores nationwide

Stockists details: www.carphonewarehouse.com or from The Carphone Warehouse direct sales on 0800 925 925

Media enquiries:
Mark Schmid
M: 07920484787

Michelle Parrish
M: 07736074579

About The Geek Squad
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* 61% of all UK households have internet access with 84% of them using broadband. (National statistics omnibus survey, August 2007)

** Minimum contract 3 months. Special introductory price of £7 per month. Standard list price of £10 per month. Offer expires 31st October 2007. Terms of service apply. For further details visit www.geeksquad.co.uk/mygeek