19th Feb 2008 16:00
Vodafone Group Plc19 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 nextsteps 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 areaiming to deliver customer, environmental and business benefits by establishingjoint network efficiencies. The first stage of implementation will see Orange UKand Vodafone UK share existing 2G and 3G mast sites, with one site housing theequipment 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 anduse the mobile internet in more places than ever before. As well as improving the quality of coverage across the country, the twocompanies will also have a smaller environmental footprint due to the fewernumber of mast-sites needed. It is expected that the initiative will lead to a15% reduction in the number of mast sites - almost 3,000 sites in total - in thefirst two years alone. Orange UK and Vodafone UK will continue to maintain separate networks, willretain full responsibility for the quality of service they offer theirrespective customers and will remain competitors in the UK mobile wholesale andretail markets. Vodafone and Orange will also benefit from the associated operational andfinancial cost efficiencies of having fewer mast sites, enabling them to delivereven more investment in innovative products and services for customers. Tom Alexander, CEO of Orange UK, said: "This deal will see our two companieswork together to ensure our customers benefit from better, deeper and fastermobile coverage in more places, with fewer mast-sites across the country. Itwill be better for our customers, better for our businesses and better for theenvironment." Nick Read, CEO of Vodafone UK, said: "Last year we announced this industryleading initiative and today's announcement focuses on a significant mastsharing program that benefits our customers and the environment, while drivingimproved efficiencies for our business." - ends - For further information: OrangeStuart Jackson:Tel: 07866 772 [email protected] Vodafone GroupMedia RelationsTel: +44 (0) 1635 664444 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 theworld's leading telecommunications operators with more than 170 millioncustomers on five continents. In June, 2006, Orange became the single brand for mobile, broadband andmulti-play offers. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new bannerfor business communications solutions. Orange Business Services is present in166 countries with network reach in 220. In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UKpopulation. At the end of December 2007, Orange had over 16.8 million customersin the UK - 15.6 million active mobile customers and nearly 1.14 millionbroadband customers. Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this materialare trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited. Further information about Orange and France Telecom can be found on the Orangewebsite at www.orange.co.uk or the France Telecom website atwww.francetelecom.com For further information, call the Orange press office on 0870 373 1500 or email:[email protected]. About Vodafone Vodafone UK has 17.93 million customers and is part of the world's leadinginternational mobile telecommunications Group, offering a wide range of voiceand data communications. The company is committed to providing mobile solutionsthat allow both consumer and business customers to make the most of now. Inaddition, Vodafone connects customers across the globe with roaming agreementsworldwide. It provides 3G roaming in 29 countries and offers great roaming valuewith Vodafone Passport. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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