22nd Feb 2006 10:00
Vodafone Group Plc22 February 2006 22 February 2006 VODAFONE PARTNERS WITH MOBILTEL - EXPANDING THE VODAFONE COMMUNITY IN EUROPE Vodafone, the world's leading mobile network operator, today announces it hassigned a Partner Agreement with Mobiltel, the Bulgarian mobile operator ofTelekom Austria. Under the terms of the agreement, Mobiltel will be able to provide theircustomers with Vodafone products and services for international voice and dataroaming, business and consumer propositions. Vodafone's products and services will be dual branded in Bulgaria by Mobiltel,combining Mobiltel's nationally recognised brand with Vodafone's global brand. The mutually beneficial relationship also provides Vodafone, its subsidiaries,affiliates, joint ventures and Partner customers' with seamless access toVodafone's international mobile services whilst travelling in Bulgaria. In addition, the agreement provides scope for close co-operation onmultinational corporate accounts and for Mobiltel to benefit from Vodafone'shandset procurement when launching Vodafone's products and services in Bulgaria. "Our strategic relationship with Mobiltel significantly enhances Vodafone'sservice footprint in Central Europe and builds upon our excellent relationshipwith members of the Mobilkom Austria Group. Vodafone is increasingly able tooffer its customers a seamless service offering when travelling in CentralEurope, with a presence in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia,Hungary and Romania," said Arun Sarin, Chief Executive at Vodafone. "We intendto develop our relationship with Mobiltel to ensure both Vodafone and Mobiltelcustomers have the very best in mobile services." Josef Vinatzer, Chief Executive, Mobiltel, said: "With this strategiccooperation we strengthen our position as the undisputed market leader whoinnovates the telecom market in Bulgaria. The partnership allows us toimmediately broaden our portfolio with the best and very successful telecomproducts and services. Vodafone will prove to be our natural partner to furtherinnovate and develop the telecom market in Bulgaria". Including Mobiltel, Vodafone now has Partner Networks in 32 markets, coveringthe Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia. - ends - (c) Vodafone Group 2006. VODAFONE, Vodafone Passport, Vodafone Mobile Connectand the Vodafone logos are trade marks of the Vodafone Group. Other product andcompany names mentioned herein may be the trade marks of their respectiveowners. For further information: Vodafone Group Media RelationsTel: +44 (0)1635 664444 Investor RelationsTel: +44 (0)1635 664447 About Mobiltel Mobiltel is recognized as the innovative telecommunications market leader inBulgaria and one of the most successful mobile operators in Europe. Today theCompany holds about 60% market share and serves about 3,6 Million subscribers.In 2005 the operator won the only UMTS A Class licence tender in Bulgaria for a20-year term. Six months later - on September 14, 2005, Mobiltel presented thefirst operational UMTS network in Bulgaria. In July 2005 Mobiltel joined themobilkom austria group and now is a part of the family of mag. About Vodafone Vodafone provides a full range of mobile telecommunications services, includingvoice and data communications. Vodafone has equity interests in 27 countries andPartner Networks in a further 32 countries, with a proportionate customer baseof over 179 million. For more 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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