New Partner Agreement
Vodafone Group Plc
16 April 2003
16 April 2003
VODAFONE WELCOMES ICELAND TO ITS MOBILE COMMUNITY
Vodafone today announces it has signed a Partner Network Agreement with
Islandssimi hf, formerly the merged companies Islandssimi and Tal, to introduce
Vodafone's global mobile services into Iceland.
Islandssimi hf is a leading private telecommunications operator in Iceland, with
almost 85,000 mobile customers. Under the agreement, Islandssimi hf (to be
renamed in the near future to Og fjarskipti) will completely replace its
existing brands with a dual Og-Vodafone brand and will co-operate with Vodafone
in the development and marketing of international mobile services.
During the second half of 2003, the newly branded Og-Vodafone will start to
introduce Vodafone global mobile services, namely Vodafone Eurocall, Assisted
Roaming, Virtual Home Environment, Pre-paid Roaming, Pre-paid Roaming Top Ups
and GPRS Roaming.
As a Vodafone Partner Network, Og fjarskipti will offer Vodafone customers
seamless access to its international mobile services while travelling in
Iceland. The re-branding of Islandssimi into Og- Vodafone will ensure Vodafone
customers identify Og-Vodafone as a trusted Vodafone partner, increasing the
recognition of the Vodafone brand in the Nordic region. Og-Vodafone customers
will enjoy the benefits of Vodafone's roaming services across its global
footprint.
Thomas Geitner, Chief Executive, Global Products and Services, Vodafone, said:
'Vodafone's Partner Network strategy represents an increasingly significant
development in the delivery of Vodafone's mobile services and Og fjarskipti will
be an ideal partner for the further development of mobile services in the Nordic
region. Vodafone is already established in the region through its operator
Vodafone Sweden, as well as Partner Network Agreements with TDC in Denmark and
Radiolinja in Finland, and this new agreement will increase our Nordic
footprint.
'Having now signed Partner Network Agreements with eight operators within just
sixteen months, this latest co-operation agreement, including the launch of a
Vodafone dual-brand in Iceland, clearly demonstrates the continuing success of
Vodafone's Partner Network strategy and the attractiveness of Vodafone's global
brand and services. Building on the success of our current agreements, Vodafone
will continue to develop the Partner Network strategy, so our customers and our
partners' customers can use Vodafone services in an increasing number of
countries'.
Following today's announcement, Vodafone global services, supported by its
global brand communication, will be available in eight Partner Network
countries: Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Kuwait and
Slovenia, in addition to its subsidiary and associate markets.
- ends -
For further information contact:
Vodafone Group
Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Melissa Stimpson, Group Investor Relations Director
Bobby Leach, Head of Group Financial Media Relations
Darren Jones, Senior Investor Relations Manager
Jon Earl, Senior Group Communications Manager
Janine Young, Group Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310
Tavistock Communications
Lulu Bridges / John West
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7600 2288
Notes to Editors
Islandssimi facts:
•Founded 18th August 1998.
•Almost 250 employees.
•Almost 85,000 mobile customers
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange