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Press release

Thus plc today announces that it is to provide mobile access to web-based services using Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), in a technology link up with Nokia.

Two out of five people in the UK own a mobile phone and it is widely recognised that WAP offers an easily accessible platform to open up web-based services to this large and growing market.

Using equipment supplied by Nokia, Thus is developing WAP services both for existing customers of its Demon Internet service provider business as well as for wider application to the corporate and SME business market. It is expected that the WAP services will be available, initially to Demon customers, by the summer.

Demon customers will be able to read and reply to e-mail and access WAP-enabled content from their mobile phones. In addition, Demon will enable corporate customers to host their corporate intranet sites on its servers, allowing their employees to gain access to their corporate intranets from their WAP enabled mobile phones. Early applications for business customers include providing employees mobile access to company news, employee contact directories and business critical information.

A range of other services will also be developed and announced in due course.

Commenting on the announcement, William Allan, Chief Executive of Thus plc said:

"Thus is delighted to be co-operating with Nokia, one of the worlds leading mobile technology companies, to develop a range of WAP enabled services for our customers. This co-operation maintains our position as a leading provider of innovative technologies and services."

Mr Peter Kuhne, Area Vice President, West Europe and Africa, Nokia Networks, said:

"Internet users are increasingly expecting to access critical information at any time and in any location and Nokia's WAP solutions make this possible. Thus is one of the UK's most innovative and influential Internet players and Nokia is pleased to extend our already excellent relationship with Thus to put the Internet in their customers' pockets."

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About WAP

Wireless Application Protocol is an open global standard for accessing information over a mobile phone or other wireless network.

In the same way as a modem dials an Internet Service Provider to access the Net, a WAP enabled phone will dial a WAP gateway service. This allows the user to access content and send email from their handset. WAP-based technology enables the design of advanced, interactive and real-time mobile services, such as mobile banking or Internet-based news services, which can be used in digital mobile phones or other mobile devices. The WAP specification allows solutions from multiple suppliers to perform consistently and reliably for the end-user across. For more WAP information visit www.wapforum.org.