Vodafone

Ericsson Sole Supplier of HSPA Expansion and All-IP Upgrade for SmarTone-Vodafone in Hong Kong

admin — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:31:04 +0000

April 3, 2008 -- Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has been selected by leading operator SmarTone-Vodafone in Hong Kong as the sole supplier for network enhancements to provide the operator's mobile customers with a greater variety of advanced mobile broadband and multimedia services.

Under the three-year agreement, Ericsson will be the sole supplier of a HSPA-enabled radio access network, including Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS), a functionality that enables mobile-TV services to be broadcast. The deal also includes a fully IP-based core network, including IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Ericsson's Mobile Softswitch Solution, and Redback's SmartEdge routers. The network enhancements will allow SmarTone-Vodafone to cost-efficiently introduce more new services and to further increase broadband speeds to support more advanced video and mobile applications over time.

Ericsson will also be responsible for a range of professional services, such as, network design, systems integration, spare parts management service, support services, as well as network deployment and integration. » read more »

Vodafone UK Unveils Enhanced Mobile Broadband Service

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:32:39 +0000

31 January 2008 -- From February 4, 2008 Vodafone UK is broadening the appeal of high-quality Mobile Broadband, by introducing an enhanced Mobile Broadband service for both consumer and business customers. This service will provide better value, greater certainty on pricing, including out-of-bundle charges and data roaming, confidence of use and access to a super fast data network with award-winning, easy to install exclusive modems.

In broadening the appeal of its high-quality Mobile Broadband Vodafone UK will reduce the cost for consumers by 50% during a promotional period, while providing business customers more value for money. All will be available on Vodafone’s superfast Mobile Broadband network with 80% population coverage.

New Consumer Price Plans
For customers who use mobile internet on a laptop or a PC every day, Vodafone is launching the Mobile Broadband 3 GB price plan for £15 per month (incl. VAT). This halves the price of the existing 3 GB offering while providing unrivalled top download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps per second.

Assurance abroad » read more »

O2 And Vodafone Launch An Internet And Mobile Phone Payment System

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:20:17 +0000

70 million banking customers can use the payment system

Düsseldorf/Munich, 25 January 2008 A new payment service that is being launched by O2 and Vodafone means secure online payments by mobile phone or PC from spring onwards. It delivers maximum payment security to over 70 million bank and mobile phone customers in Germany. The new payment system for home or mobile online payments isn't just available to Vodafone and O2 customers, but to all mobile phone network users.

People who shop online want a simple and secure method of payment that can be used in as many online shops as possible.

Lutz Schüler, Director Marketing & Sales at O2 Germany said, "The popularity of mobile internet is growing. Our payment system satisfies the requirements of this new trend. It enables the some 13 million Vodafone and O2 contract customers to make simple, fast and secure payments from their home PC or mobile phone." » read more »

Vodafone Will Be Presenting Its Innovative Mobile And Home TV Service At CeBIT 2008

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:19:28 +0000

Düsseldorf, 23 January 2008. Vodafone has again extended its range of MobileTV services for CeBIT 2008. The innovations extend from image quality improvements to numerous new features and interactive functions. It will also be showcasing new products, services and transmission options at the Hanover fair.

Vodafone MobileTV already has over 30 channels and a comprehensive range of programmes which are broadcasted around the clock. They include sports, music, news and entertainment highlights. At CeBIT 2008, Vodafone will be demonstrating the further improvements to the existing service, plus numerous new mobile and home TV products.

Mobile solutions

H.264: High Quality MobileTV
Vodafone customers can profit from the significantly enhanced quality of Mobile TV broadcasts thanks to High Quality MobileTV. A brand new compression technique (H.264) with QVGA resolution delivers best ever mobile TV quality at no additional cost to customers. High Quality MobileTV is automatically available for all devices which support H.264, HSDPA and Q-VGA.

Vodafone MobileTV Player » read more »

Nokia, Vodafone Agree to Launch Integrated Vodafone Services on Nokia Handsets

admin — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:28:31 +0000

ESPOO, Finland, November 7, /PRNewswire - FirstCall/ -- Vodafone, the world's largest mobile operator by revenue and Nokia (NYSE: NOK) the world's largest handset manufacturer, have agreed to launch an integrated suite of Vodafone services combined with Nokia Ovi Services on a range of Nokia handsets. These services will offer customers a greater choice of communications, Internet services, content and browsing through a range of premium handsets on high speed 3G and 3G broadband networks. Vodafone and Nokia also have agreed that a number of these handsets will be exclusive to Vodafone.

Customers will get faster and easier access to all of Vodafone's Internet and entertainment services as well as all of Ovi from Nokia services on a wide range of handsets. Vodafone customers will be able to access the widest and most attractive choice of Internet services.

Vodafone and Nokia will make it easier to access the Internet quickly at the click of a button. Customers will get the full suite of communications, content, Internet services and browsing, through seamlessly integrated Vodafone services on Nokia handsets. » read more »

Ericsson, Vodafone Netherlands in World-First Deployment of Automatic Data Retention Solution

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:26:33 +0000

September 18, 2007 -- Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has signed a turnkey contract with Vodafone Netherlands to deploy the Ericsson Automatic Data Retention Solution (ADRS), bringing the operator in line with a new EU directive. This marks a world-first deployment of the Ericsson ADRS.

Under the contract, Ericsson will deliver a turnkey solution - from systems integration to business support systems - for Vodafone Netherlands' existing network.

The contract highlights Ericsson's leadership in data retention solutions and its ability to deliver end-to-end expertise spanning products and systems integration.

Ericsson's solution enables operators to collect, store and deliver data in accordance with EU directive 2006/24/EC on data retention. Under the directive, operators must store traffic data for up to 24 months. The directive is set to be incorporated into national laws by September 15, 2007, and will eventually become mandatory for all European operators. » read more »

Ericsson New WCDMA/HSPA Network Supplier for Elisa in Finland

admin — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:02:04 +0000

August 13, 2007, 13:00 (CET) -- Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has been chosen by Finnish operator Elisa to deliver WCDMA/HSPA network equipment, taking the longstanding relationship between the two companies to a new level. The expansion will virtually double the coverage and capacity of Elisa's existing WCDMA/HSPA network.

Under the contract, Ericsson will more than double the number of radio base stations in the Elisa network over the coming year. By the end of the year, more than 120 towns and cities will have 3G coverage, strengthening Elisa's position as a leading Finnish 3G/HSPA network operator and service provider. Elisa chose Ericsson for the expansion project following a successful pilot that concluded earlier this year.

Ericsson's High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) solution provides increased data speeds by introducing enhancements in the uplink and the downlink. The advanced technology boosts network capacity and cuts response times for interactive services, increasing the performance of mobile broadband.

The contract also covers support services, deployment, integration and educational services. » read more »

Call for New Regulatory Framework to Allow Greater Access to Financial Services Via Mobile Phones in Developing Countries

admin — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:01:33 +0000

ESPOO, Finland, July 4/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new regulatory framework is needed to encourage financial transactions by mobile phones and transform access to financial services in developing countries, claims a new policy report 'The Transformational Potential of M-Transactions', published today (4 July 2007) by Vodafone in partnership with Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Nokia Siemens Network.

The report, Vodafone's sixth policy paper, of which three focus on the social impact of mobile phones, details new, independent research by leading economists from Frontier Economics and Groupe d'Economie Mondiale as well as consultants to the World Bank.

The suggested changes will have wide spread impact on both the economic development of countries and the financial security of millions of people currently without access to banking services. » read more »

Vodafone announces completion of the acquisition of Hutch Essar

admin — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:38:31 +0000

08 May 2007 -- Further to the announcements of 11 February and 15 March 2007, Vodafone announces that it has today completed the acquisition from Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited ("HTIL")of companies with interests in Hutchison Essar Limited ("Hutch Essar"). Following this transaction, Vodafone will control Hutch Essar.

Vodafone will pay US$10.9 billion (£5.5 billion) in cash to HTIL, reflecting retention and closing adjustments agreed between Vodafone and HTIL.

Commenting on the transaction, Arun Sarin, Chief Executive of Vodafone, said:

"I am delighted that, having secured all the necessary regulatory approvals, we are now able to complete this important transaction and move onto the process of integration. India is a tremendously exciting, fast moving market and I am confident that the Hutch Essar business will make a major contribution to the Vodafone Group over the coming years."

Source: Vodafone

Industry Players Team Up on Next Generation Mobile Broadband Networks Based on 3GPP LTE/SAE Standards

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:11:07 +0000

Initiative aims to trial mobile data rates in excess of 100 Mbps

A group of world leading telecom technology manufacturers and network operators comprised of Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, France Telecom/Orange, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, T-Mobile, and Vodafone have announced a joint initiative aimed at driving forward the realisation of the next-generation of high performance mobile broadband networks based on 3GPP Release 8 "Long Term Evolution / System Architecture Evolution" (LTE/SAE) specifications. » read more »

Jersey Airtel brings Vodafone to the island as Airtel-Vodafone

admin — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:55:25 +0000

Jersey Airtel, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bharti Group, has today announced it will launch its mobile services on the Island of Jersey under the brand name “Airtel-Vodafone” after signing an agreement with Vodafone, the world’s leading mobile telecommunications group. The agreement will see Vodafone’s leading global products and services available on the island for the very first time.

Customers of Airtel-Vodafone will be able to benefit from a range of Vodafone services, tailored to the needs of Jersey customers, both at home and when traveling in the UK and across the world, including Vodafone Passport, a simple roaming price plan. Airtel-Vodafone services will also include a mobile multimedia service; Vodafone Simply, a straightforward voice and data package and the Vodafone Mobile Connect Card for laptops which makes possible wireless internet access. These Vodafone products, together with other exciting services, will be brought to customers in Jersey by Airtel on a phased basis from launch.

In addition, business customers stand to benefit from a range of competitive corporate devices and services, including BlackBerry from Vodafone. » read more »

Vodafone Music to offer original and innovative music events

admin — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 06:35:12 +0000

In line with its strategy of associating itself with major music events in Portugal, Vodafone said it intends to strengthen its links to music through a project involving various innovative and different music events created and produced by Vodafone Portugal involving the music of Portuguese groups.

Called Vodafone Music, the project's objective is to expose music lovers to the music of Portuguese artists. Vodafone plans to introduce Portuguese artists to a wider public by establishing a closer association with the brand through the promotion of innovative and different music events.

In April, May and August, music will hit the streets with the Vodafone Flash Concerts which will take 6 Portuguese artists (Fonzie, Mesa, Fingertips, Loto, Mundo Secreto and Expensive Soul) to 6 of the country's cities (Aveiro, Oporto, Évora, Braga, Faro and Portimão). The event will be completed in a single day, different for each location, in a "flash" operation designed to share Portuguese music with the population of each city. » read more »

Vodafone launches mobile management service for assistance teams

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:26:45 +0000

Vodafone yesterday launched MobileTasks, the third of a group of exclusive services dedicated to the business market (going by the name of MobileSolutions), and which consists of a solution for the management of assistance teams, on the move and in real time.

In fact, nowadays one of the greatest challenges to the business market, for those who have teams of technicians stationed outside the office, is precisely how to guarantee a service of high quality and response periods suitable to their Clients' expectations. Organization, response capacity and quality of service are factors essential for the success of an assistance network.

MobileTasks is here to make these teams' tasks easier, allowing them to optimize their capacity: the technicians are able to receive work orders and give indications on the work being carried out, without having to go to the office, thus saving precious travel time and becoming more readily available for other subsequent interventions. At the same time, at the office there is a clear picture of the state of the tasks pending and those attributed to each technician, allowing for the satisfaction of Clients' queries whenever necessary. » read more »

Vodafone And Essar Agree On Partnership Terms

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:35:57 +0000

Vodafone and Essar have reached an agreement under which they will work to continue the growth of Hutchison Essar Limited ("Hutchison Essar"), one of India’s leading mobile operators. This follows Vodafone’s announcement on 11 February 2007 that it had agreed to acquire Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited's ("HTIL") controlling interest in Hutchison Essar, in which Essar is and will continue to be a 33% shareholder.

The partners have agreed that Hutchison Essar will be renamed Vodafone Essar and, in due course, that the business will market its products and services under the Vodafone brand. » read more »

Vodafone Announces New Flat-Rate Data Roaming Tariff

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:34:48 +0000

Vodafone continues to lead the mobile industry in reducing the cost of roaming in Europe

Vodafone announced that customers in Europe will be able to surf the internet, check e-mail and access their business network when roaming abroad for a flat rate fee of only €12 for every day of use. The tariff will be available to Vodafone customers with mobile-enabled laptops from 1 July 2007 and will significantly lower the cost of data roaming for business customers and consumers alike.

This move is the latest development in Vodafone’s drive to simplify roaming prices, making them more predictable and understandable for customers. The initiative draws upon two years’ experience of the voice roaming tariff - Vodafone Passport - which has already attracted over 12m customers. Following the introduction of daily data tariffs in a number of Vodafone markets last year, Vodafone is now seeking to extend these benefits to customers throughout Europe who wish to use their laptops when travelling. » read more »

Vodafone Cuts Mobile Internet Roaming Rate By Almost Half To Domestic Level

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:33:28 +0000

The cost of mobile data services in other countries is about to get a lot lower for Vodafone customers. Business executives and holidaymakers can look forward to CeBIT because, when it opens on 15 March 2007, Vodafone will be reducing the rates of its national and international WebSessions packages - which enable 24-hour mobile internet use without a contract or an additional basic fee - to EUR 14.95.

It now makes no difference whether customers use their notebooks to go online in the German Vodafone network, a foreign Vodafone network or a Vodafone partner network. They pay the same rate for mobile online services in foreign countries that they pay at home. That's an almost 50% price reduction that makes mobile internet via the wireless network far less expensive than many W-LAN hotspots. Vodafone customers in Germany who have booked a data option can also take advantage of the WebSessions package abroad. The number of roaming countries around the world where Vodafone WebSessions International can be used will increase to 32 in April 2007. » read more »

Vodafone Trumpets Advertising Successes on the Vodafone live! Portal

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:32:14 +0000

The advertising services with creative ad placements that were launched on the Vodafone live! portal in September 2006 are getting more popular by the day, Vodafone said. The portal's advertising partners are the auto manufacturers, Opel, VW, Volvo, and Mercedes, plus 20th Century Fox which is advertising its Hollywood blockbuster, "Eragon". Unilever is another new partner.

The automotive industry has discovered that the Vodafone live! portal is an effective advertising platform and the car makers are developing creative advertising packages with Vodafone's partner, G+J EMS. Opel launched a Race Camp Campaign, offering the winner of a several-stage casting process the opportunity to take part in the 24-hour race at Nürburgring 2008. VW used the Vodafone live! portal to support its advertising campaigns for the VW Touran and the VW Tour, including test drive generation. » read more »

Free VoIP and mobile phone functions with "Vodafone IP-Phone Professional"

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:30:17 +0000

Vodafone will be giving a debut demonstration of its new "Vodafone IP-Phone Professional" service and a glimpse into the future at CeBIT 2007. This innovative service combines VoIP and mobile phone functions and is specifically designed for users with small and medium-sized enterprises. Vodafone customers who subscribe to the service for VoIP get the added convenience of mobile phone functions such as video telephony or text messaging on the PC. All persons making calls to the PC or mobile phone dial up your familiar Vodafone mobile number. Vodafone IP-Phone Professional's convergence means a wider range of communication options and greater convenience for professional users. » read more »

Vodafone Demonstrates Navigation Concept for Mobile Phones at CeBIT 2007

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:28:16 +0000

Vodafone is a already a provider of mobile telephony, high-speed surfing, navigation, photography and TV services. Now it has introduced the VPA Compact GPS and BlackBerry 8000, two genuinely innovative and compact all-round handhelds with integrated GPS receivers. They revolutionise simple navigation in unfamiliar cities.

The new VPA compact GPS is already equipped for extra-fast data transmissions at speeds of up to 3.6 Mbit/s in Vodafone's 3G broadband network. It integrates the very latest technology and is extremely easy to use, so it's the perfect product for business professionals in practically any situation. Even high volumes of data are easy to send through the fast 3G network with the new VPA, and it's also ready for high-speed 3G broadband, which delivers data transmission rates of up to 3.6 Mbit/s. The 3G broadband function is due to be made available in the second quarter of 2007 in the form of a software update.

Thanks to an integrated GPS receiver, the VPA is also a full-value mobile navigation device. It doesn't need any additional hardware such as an external GPS receiver. » read more »

MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) and RIM launch the BlackBerry Pearl and BlackBerry 8707v in Bahrain

admin — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:07:34 +0000

MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain), the Kingdom’s telecoms service provider, and Research In Motion (RIM), the developer of the internationally successful and wildly popular BlackBerry wireless solution, today announced the introduction of two new BlackBerry® smartphones in Bahrain.

The BlackBerry® Pearl™ and BlackBerry® 8707v will be available from MTC-Vodafone Experience shops and through the MTC-Vodafone corporate sales team.

BlackBerry 8707v

Under a partnership agreement, MTC-Vodafone has access to Vodafone’s Global Frame Agreement with RIM, enabling MTC-Vodafone customers to benefit from Vodafone's global sourcing of BlackBerry smartphones and 24/7 technical support.

“Mobile access to email and business information is becoming an essential business tool, and now both corporate and individual users can enjoy combined functionality of a full-featured BlackBerry smartphone with the added appeal of style and affordability,” said Dr. Ahmed Al Shatti, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) Chief Operating Officer. » read more »

2,000 free local full track music downloads for Vodafone 3G customers

admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 10:13:30 +0000

1 March 2007 -- During the month of March, Vodafone is offering its customers free downloads of full songs by local artists and bands on their 3G mobile phone. Available tracks include 'Marigold' by Winter Moods, 'Someone Else' by Ira Losco and 'Room 7' by Scream Daisy.

Vodafone customers can download a number of full tracks by Ira Losco, Winter Moods, Scream Daisy, DJ Ruby, J-Joy, Plan Zero and Bitterside. Other artists will be included in the coming days. A total of 2,000 music records will be available for free download on a first come first served basis until the 31st March. » read more »

Vodafone to demonstrate fastest mobile data transmission service in a wireless network at CeBIT

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:41:55 +0000

Vodafone to demonstrate fastest mobile data transmission service in a wireless network at CeBIT

DÃ¼sseldorf, 26th February 2007. Anyone who wants to find out more about the simple and high-speed mobile transmission of large data volumes should call in at Vodafone's CeBIT pavilion, because that's where the innovation leader will be demonstrating the fastest mobile data connection in a commercial German mobile network, which delivers speeds of up to 7.2 MBits/s. It is clear confirmation that Vodafone is, once again, a first mover in the mobile broadband services market. The Vodafone pavilion G04 in the open-air zone to the south of CeBIT's hall 25 in Hanover will also be demonstrating an uplink with transmission rates of up to 1.45 MBits/s. That's faster than any conventional DSL broadband service. This is possible thanks to the use of High Speed Uplink Packet Access Technology (HSUPA). » read more »

Vodafone extends mobile marketing on the Vodafone live! portal with Mercedes campaign

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:41:24 +0000

Vodafone extends mobile marketing on the Vodafone live! portal with Mercedes campaign

DÃ¼sseldorf, 23 February 2007. Vodafone is continuing its successful marketing activities on the Vodafone live! portal and has joined forces with another powerful partner. DaimlerChrysler is advertising the German-wide launch campaign for the new Mercedes C class, "C - for yourself", on the Vodafone mobile portal. Vodafone live!'s growth through new services is being supported by Mercedes' decision to team up with it. » read more »

Vodafone and Dexcom sign MVNO Agreement

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:40:46 +0000

Vodafone and Dexcom sign MVNO Agreement

Dexcom first MVNO on Vodafone Netherlands network

Maastricht, 22 February 2007 - Vodafone Netherlands and Dexcom Telecom Services B.V have signed a 5-year MVNO Agreement. Dexcom Telecom will enter the Dutch market as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) using the Vodafone network. Dexcom is expected to launch in Q2 2007 under its own brand which will be disclosed nearer to the launch date. » read more »

Vodafone Netherlands rewrites Dutch MVNO market

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:40:14 +0000

Vodafone Netherlands rewrites Dutch MVNO market

Maastricht, 22 February 2007 - Today, Vodafone Netherlands announces to open its mobile network for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO's) in the Dutch market. Vodafone offers a flexible model in which MVNO's can bring their own mobile products and services to the market, whilst benefiting from Vodafone's leading mobile experience. In this way, Vodafone Netherlands intends to build a sustainable position in the highly competitive MVNO market. » read more »

"DAS VIERTE" and "mango tv" have added Hollywood and lifestyle stations to Vodafone MobileTV

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:39:49 +0000

"DAS VIERTE" and "mango tv" have added Hollywood and lifestyle stations to Vodafone MobileTV

DÃ¼sseldorf, 22 February 2007. Vodafone has extended its Vodafone MobileTV service to include the "DAS VIERTE" entertainment channel plus big-screen blockbusters and popular series from the American dream factory. The lifestyle station "mango tv" adds a colourful and trendy mix of lifestyle, comedy and soaps to the existing TV programme. » read more »

Vodafone Netherlands starts with advertising on mobile devices

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:39:15 +0000

Vodafone Netherlands starts with advertising on mobile devices

Maastricht, 22 February 2007 - Vodafone Netherlands introduces a mobile advertising service model in the Netherlands as part of the Mobile Plus strategy. Vodafone will start with a proposition for two segments in the Enterprise market: Insurance Resellers and Pharmacists. Mobile users will be offered easy access to free professional content, combined with ads, on their mobile phone.

Jeroen Hoencamp, Director Vodafone Enterprise Business Unit: "We think advertising and mobile phones are a winning combination. Both advertisers and customers benefit from new services like this. We are proud to introduce this first proposition with our partner I-Wood and plan to roll out propositions for other user groups in the future."Attractive handset, tariff and free information
Vodafone Netherlands introduces the mobile advertising initiative in cooperation with the Dutch company I-Wood. Vodafone provides the two target groups with an attractive handset, tariff offer and access to specific information, wherever and whenever. In return these customers are offered ads and links to relevant content on their mobile phone. » read more »

Bytemobile and Vodafone Czech Republic Team to Enhance User Experience for GPRS/EDGE Network

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 07:23:13 +0000

Bytemobile and Vodafone Czech Republic Team to Enhance User Experience for GPRS/EDGE Network

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and PRAGUE, Czech Republic - February 14, 2007 -- Bytemobile, Inc. and Vodafone Czech Republic a.s. (CZ) today announced the successful deployment of Bytemobileâ€™s Optimization Services Node (OSN) 3.1 in Vodafoneâ€™s wireless network, which serves approximately 99% of the Czech mobile population. The Bytemobile optimization solution accelerates traffic for laptop subscribers to Vodafone CZ data services by 3x-7x on the 2.5G (GPRS/EDGE) network. » read more »