We've previously reported about mobile devices from the United States that offer in-car WiFi. Now 3 UK has launched its own in-car WiFi service based on its MiFi device. In fact, it's really just the MiFi device with an in-car charger and a windscreen mounting – but the introduction of this package reveals a growing need for connectivity.

David Kerrigan, 3 UK's Head of Internet Services, said "Our research suggests that over 25% of the population are interested in having the internet in their cars, with families and travelling work colleagues showing the most interest. Mobile workers can check traffic information and email on route to a meeting and kids can social network or download tracks to an iPod Touch while on a road trip".

James Rosewell writes:

The merger of T-Mobile and Orange on 1st April 2010 is one of the most significant events in the evolution of the UK mobile industry since the original creation of Orange and 1-2-1 in the 90s. From now on the UK will have 4 mobile networks, and one of those networks will have ~35% of the market. A 35% market share comes with a lot of potential. Not only can standards be influenced in a way previously unimaginable in the UK, but economies of scale can be translated into profits.

Vodafone has been working with Opera to bring the mobile internet to more people in developing markets. The two companies have developed an enhanced version of Opera Mini 5 that's been designed to run on budget handsets using 2G networks.

The Opera Mini 5 browser has been embedded in a range of 20 devices and can also be downloaded to over 250 GPRS supported handsets in Vodafone’s customer base. Opera's browser compresses data, requiring  less processing power on the handset and less network capacity as well. Vodafone is also creating an on-screen browsing experience that'll feature step-by-step, simple instructions in local languages, with a strong emphasis on the use of intuitive icons to help those with lower levels of literacy.

Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom have announced that their T-Mobile UK and Orange UK businesses are now a single operation.

Tom Alexander, the former CEO of Orange UK, is the Chief Executive of the new joint venture. Richard Moat, former CEO of T-Mobile UK, is Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO.