28th Sep 2006 09:00
Vodafone Group Plc28 September 2006 28 September 2006 VODAFONE LAUNCHES FIRST VODAFONE-ONLY BRANDED 3G CONSUMER HANDSET Vodafone sources from Asia the first of a new range of single-branded handsets that maximize accessibility to Vodafone services and drive down production costs Vodafone has today unveiled its first Vodafone-only branded 3G consumer handset,the Vodafone 710, which will see the mobile network operator become a brand namein its own right in the consumer handset market. The Vodafone 710's features, design and functionality were specified by Vodafoneto maximize customers' use of its services. It is the first handset manufacturedfor Vodafone by China's Huawei Technologies as a result of a strategic handsetalliance signed by the two companies in February 2006. The device is supportedby the leading, industry standard, Qualcomm chipset. The handset is part of the company's strategy to leverage its purchasing powerwith Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) to the benefit of its customers andoffers all the latest 3G consumer services and a sleek, clamshell design at anew, low cost. The ODM-produced handset range will enable Vodafone to meet itsaim to develop mobile phones that can match established, global handset brandson quality, technology and on price, underpinned by the strength of the Vodafonebrand. The move will assist the uptake of 3G services, due to the lower cost perhandset and the fact that the Vodafone 710 will be offered on prepay as well ascontract, and will provide wide market access to 3G. The Vodafone 710 incorporates easy access to core Vodafone services includingVodafone Radio DJ, Mobile TV, music downloads, video telephony and Vodafonelive! with 3G. In addition, the handset includes an MP3 music player, a 1.3megapixel camera and Bluetooth. The Vodafone 710 will be launched in the UK,Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Netherlands, Romania and Portugal fromearly October 2006. Jens Schulte-Bockum, Global Director of Terminals at Vodafone said: "TheVodafone 710 is Vodafone's first own-branded 3G consumer handset, and we aredelighted that it represents everything that customers have come to expect fromVodafone - high level technologies and exceptional value for money. We're proudthat this phone carries only the Vodafone name." "Today's announcement supports Vodafone's commitment to drive 3G penetrationacross our customer base and the fact the Vodafone 710 will be available asprepay in many markets will help to achieve this. The arrival of the Vodafone710 illustrates how we're actively reducing both costs and stimulating revenuesthrough adding depth and choice to the range of 3G consumer devices for ourcustomers." As part of Vodafone's intention to introduce further Vodafone-branded handsetsand devices to the market, the company has relocated part of its terminalsdivision from Japan to Hong Kong to spearhead the sourcing of new devices and tonegotiate contracts with Asian manufacturers, aimed at bringing cutting-edgetechnologies to Vodafone customers at market-beating prices. - ends- VODAFONE is a trade mark of the Vodafone Group. Other product and company namesmentioned herein may be the trade marks of their respective owners. For further information:Vodafone GroupInvestor Relations Media RelationsTel: +44 (0) 1635 664447 Tel: +44 (0) 1635 664444 About Vodafone Vodafone is the world's leading international mobile telecommunications groupwith equity interests in 27 countries across 5 continents with 186.8 millionproportionate customers worldwide as at 30 June 2006 as well as 33 partnernetworks. For further information, please visit www.vodafone.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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