Orange and Blyk today announced an MVNO deal that will see Blyk customers using the Orange network to make calls, send messages and access the mobile internet.

The two companies have entered into a wholesale agreement regarding the transportation of voice and data traffic across the Orange network.

Blyk is the first pan-European ad-funded mobile network. It will offer customers free mobile phone calls and texts in return for receiving advertising on their mobile handsets. For advertisers, Blyk is a superior medium for engaging young consumers in UK. Major brands, including Buena Vista, Coca-Cola, I-play Mobile Gaming, L’Oreal Paris, StepStone and Yell.com mobile have confirmed that they will be among the first advertisers to use the Blyk network when it launches in the UK this summer.

Keith Greenfield, Director of Wholesale for Orange UK, said: “Our network is one of our greatest assets and by securing deals like this we are using its potential to the full. Working with innovative new companies like Blyk offers incremental financial rewards for the business which will in turn allow us to compete more ferociously in the UK market.”

He added: “Orange became the first operator to launch advertising on the mobile last year and feedback from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive. That makes Blyk’s approach even more exciting and we shall be watching their progress with interest.”

Pekka Ala- Pietilä, Co-founder and CEO of Blyk, said: “The partnership with Orange ensures that we will deliver the highest level of service and quality of experience that advertisers and our members expect.”