Esat Digifone has unveiled a new scheme targeted at larger corporate customers which will integrate mobile phone calls into their existing networks for the first time. "Benefits which have only been available on fixed-line calls within private networks are now also available on calls to and from Digifone mobiles," the company said. Digifone said the system, which is, in effect, a virtual private network, will result in huge savings for those who use it. For example, the current rate to phone a fixed-line network from a mobile phone is around 28p but Digifone will offer it at 12.5p per minute, according to Mr David Handley, Digifone's marketing director.

The new service will enable users to dial office extension numbers directly from Digifone mobiles instead of having to dial a full telephone number with the STD code. Digifone mobiles can also be given an extension number as if they were ordinary office extensions.