Vodafone UK and Orange UK

Vodafone Group Plc
19 February 2008

 
    VODAFONE AND ORANGE OUTLINE NEXT STEPS OF VISION TO GIVE UK CONSUMERS 
                            BETTER MOBILE COVERAGE                                 

  *  Vodafone UK and Orange UK to begin sharing mobile mast sites in 2008

  *  Customers to benefit from improved network coverage nationwide

  *  Environmental benefits, with 15% mast site reduction in first two years

  *  Vodafone UK and Orange UK to benefit from cost and operational
     efficiencies

London. Tuesday 19 February 2008. Orange and Vodafone today outlined the next
steps in their vision to deliver better quality mobile coverage to more people,
in more places across the UK.

The two companies announced their intention to work together last year and are
aiming to deliver customer, environmental and business benefits by establishing
joint network efficiencies. The first stage of implementation will see Orange UK
and Vodafone UK share existing 2G and 3G mast sites, with one site housing the
equipment of both companies where previously two would have been used.
Implementation will begin this year and will mean that half of the UK population
- the combined customer base of both companies - will be able to make calls and
use the mobile internet in more places than ever before.

As well as improving the quality of coverage across the country, the two
companies will also have a smaller environmental footprint due to the fewer
number of mast-sites needed. It is expected that the initiative will lead to a
15% reduction in the number of mast sites - almost 3,000 sites in total - in the
first two years alone.

Orange UK and Vodafone UK will continue to maintain separate networks, will
retain full responsibility for the quality of service they offer their
respective customers and will remain competitors in the UK mobile wholesale and
retail markets.

Vodafone and Orange will also benefit from the associated operational and
financial cost efficiencies of having fewer mast sites, enabling them to deliver
even more investment in innovative products and services for customers.

Tom Alexander, CEO of Orange UK, said: 'This deal will see our two companies
work together to ensure our customers benefit from better, deeper and faster
mobile coverage in more places, with fewer mast-sites across the country. It
will be better for our customers, better for our businesses and better for the
environment.'

Nick Read, CEO of Vodafone UK, said: 'Last year we announced this industry
leading initiative and today's announcement focuses on a significant mast
sharing program that benefits our customers and the environment, while driving
improved efficiencies for our business.'

                                    - ends -                                    

For further information:

Orange
Stuart Jackson:
Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]

Vodafone Group
Media Relations
Tel: [phone]



About Orange

Orange is a key brand of the France Telecom Group, providing mobile, broadband,
fixed, business and entertainment services across Europe. It is one of the
world's leading telecommunications operators with more than 170 million
customers on five continents.

In June, 2006, Orange became the single brand for mobile, broadband and
multi-play offers. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new banner
for business communications solutions. Orange Business Services is present in
166 countries with network reach in 220.

In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UK
population. At the end of December 2007, Orange had over 16.8 million customers
in the UK - 15.6 million active mobile customers and nearly 1.14 million
broadband customers.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material
are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited.

Further information about Orange and France Telecom can be found on the Orange
website at www.orange.co.uk or the France Telecom website at
www.francetelecom.com

For further information, call the Orange press office on 0870 373 1500 or email:
[e-mail].



About Vodafone

Vodafone UK has 17.93 million customers and is part of the world's leading
international mobile telecommunications Group, offering a wide range of voice
and data communications. The company is committed to providing mobile solutions
that allow both consumer and business customers to make the most of now. In
addition, Vodafone connects customers across the globe with roaming agreements
worldwide. It provides 3G roaming in 29 countries and offers great roaming value
with Vodafone Passport. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk.



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