Wanadoo is putting its European businesses under a single brand

Wanadoo, owned by France Telecom, is putting all of its ISP businesses across Europe under a single brand.

While Freeserve is a recognisable name in the UK, the moniker is now thought to be outdated.

Freeserve originally attracted its consumers by offering a free service contract with users only paying phone charges to access the internet.

Outdated image

These days the "free" service business model has been largely abandoned by ISPs in favour of fixed monthly rates.

In addition service providers are keen to lure customers into high-speed broadband connections which bring in more cash.

Freeserve users have been assured that they will keep their existing email addresses and connections, but Freeserve will be adopting Wanadoo's brand image and logos.