11th Feb 2008 07:01
RNS Number:6864NVodafone Group Plc11 February 2008 11 February 2008 VODAFONE GROUP TRIALS 3G FEMTOCELL TECHNOLOGY Vodafone Group is carrying out technical trials of 3G femtocells to assess howeffectively the technology is able to deliver wireless high-speed data and voiceservices inside homes and business locations. Vodafone is currently carrying out technical trials in Spain with bothAlcatel-Lucent and Huawei to explore the potential of femtocells, which arewireless access points supporting 3G devices and connecting to the core networkvia broadband DSL. Based on the trials, Vodafone anticipates that femtocell technology maypotentially enable it to offer its customers highly targeted propositions forthe home and office offering enhanced indoor coverage. Vodafone is also exploring whether the deployment of femtocells could generategreater cost efficiencies through the provision of highly targeted 3G broadbandcoverage using DSL technology to connect the customer to the core network. "Vodafone has been driving industry development of femtocell technology, and thetrials with Alcatel-Lucent and Huawei are an opportunity for us to assess howmuch benefit it can bring to our customers," said Andy MacLeod, Global NetworksDirector of Vodafone. "Femtocells have the potential to enhance customers' 3Gbroadband experience, and the trials are critical to investigate whether thetechnology can deliver on its promise." Vodafone continues to offer its customers high speed 3G broadband through itscurrent access technologies including 3G and HSPA offering speeds of up to 7.2Mbps in selected hotspots. Vodafone is continuously assessing new ways toexploit these technologies further and also exploring the potential ofnext-generation technologies that could offer wireless broadband speeds inexcess of 50 Mbps. - ends - For further information: Vodafone Group Investor RelationsTel: +44 (0) 1635 664447 Media RelationsTel: +44 (0) 1635 664444 Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within themeaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect toour expectations relating to the potential voice and data service enhancementsand cost efficiencies resulting from the future deployment of Femtocelltechnology. By their nature, forward-looking statements are inherently predictive,speculative and involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events anddepend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number offactors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materiallyfrom those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Thesefactors include, but are not limited to, adverse or unanticipated findings fromVodafone's ongoing trials of femtocell technology, risk involving our ability toimplement femtocell technology and changes in the market for home and businessDSL technology. About Vodafone Vodafone is the world's leading international mobile communications group withoperations in 25 countries across five continents and over 252 millionproportionate customers at 31 December 2007, as well as 40 partner networks.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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