20th May 2005 08:07
Vodafone Group Plc20 May 2005 20 May 2005 VODAFONE LAUNCHES VODAFONE SIMPLY New, easy to use, voice and text mobile service Vodafone today announces the launch of Vodafone Simply, a new, easy to usemobile service which has been designed for customers who only want a mobilephone with voice and text services. Following extensive customer research and feedback from thousands of customers,the Vodafone Simply service comprises two exclusive easy to use phones andservices with straightforward price plans, supported by specifically trainedcustomer services staff. Phones Vodafone worked very closely with its customers in developing the VodafoneSimply phones. Customers were asked how they wanted their ideal phone to look,what services it should offer, how these services should be accessed and how thephone menus should be structured. Following this feedback, Vodafone linked up with Sagem to develop two phones:the Vodafone Simply Sagem VS1, a silver, curvy handset and the Vodafone SimplySagem VS2, a straight, black handset. Both phones have large screens with legible text and symbols, as well as threededicated buttons for direct access to the most commonly used services: the MainScreen, Contacts and Messages. A button on the side of each phone controlsringer volume and a switch locks the key pad. In addition, on-screen instructions in plain language help customers master thephone quickly and easily. Services Both phones offer a voice mail service designed to work like a standard homeanswering machine. The Messages button on the phones lights up to notify thecustomer when a call or text has been received. To listen to or read themessage, the customer just needs to press the Messages button. In addition, the Vodafone Simply service offers a missed call notificationservice. If a call is missed, or a caller does not leave a voice message, thecustomer receives notification on-screen. Price Plans Customers using the Vodafone Simply service will be able to purchasestraightforward, value for money, price plans. For example, in the UK, apre-paid Vodafone Simply handset will cost £80 and will be free with a monthlyprice plan. Using the new Vodafone Stop the Clock price plan, customers will beable to talk for up to an hour in the evenings and at weekends whilst onlypaying for the first three minutes. Customer Service Vodafone has specifically trained members of its customer service staff to helpand advise customers in shops and call centres. The trained members of staffwill help customers feel more confident about buying and using their VodafoneSimply mobile phones. The service will be available in Portugal, Spain and the UK from 24 May. TheVodafone Simply service will also be available from Vodafone Germany, VodafoneGreece, Vodafone New Zealand, Vodafone Sweden and Swisscom Mobile from 1 Juneand Mobilkom Austria in July. Other markets will offer the service in duecourse. "We have many customers who want the latest mobile phone with all the advancedservices from full track music downloads to video calling and mobile TV. We alsohave customers who just want to make and receive calls and text messages ontheir mobile phone," said Peter Bamford, Chief Marketing Officer, VodafoneGroup. "Vodafone Simply is an easy to use mobile service for these customers, tohelp them stay in touch with friends and family." - ends- For further information: Vodafone GroupSimon Lewis, Group Corporate Affairs DirectorTel: +44 (0) 1635 673310 Investor Relations Media RelationsCharles Butterworth Bobby LeachDarren Jones Ben PadovanSarah Moriarty Jon EarlTel: +44 (0) 1635 673310 Janine Young Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310 About Vodafone Vodafone is the world's largest mobile community with 151 million proportionatecustomers, equity interests in 26 countries and Partner Networks in a further 14countries. For further information about Vodafone, please visit the VodafoneGroup website: www.vodafone.com For high resolution images please visit www.vodafone.com/simply/presskit/ (c) Vodafone Group 2005. VODAFONE, Vodafone logos, Vodafone Simply and VodafoneStop the Clock are trade marks of the Vodafone Group. Other product and companynames mentioned herein may be the trade marks of their respective owners. TheVodafone Simply mobile phone is the subject of European Community DesignApplication No. 257621 and GB Patent Application No. 0425365.4 filed in the nameof Vodafone Group Plc. Other patents have been applied for. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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