Vodafone 2002 Annual Report Download - page 27

Information on the Company Vodafone Group Plc 25Annual Report & Accounts and Form 20-F
Other countries
The Australian Government is conducting a telecommunications review, which is
intended to provide a basis for introducing a new telecommunications regulatory
framework. The Government intends to introduce required legislation before the
end of 2002. A new Telecommunications Act was introduced in New Zealand in
December 2001. Implementation of the provisions of the Act is expected to take
between twelve and eighteen months.
Middle East and Africa Region
A new Telecommunications Amendment Act was introduced in South Africa in
November 2001. The Act deals with the creation of a second national fixed line
operator. The Act also provides for the allocation of 1800 MHz spectrum and 3G
spectrum to licensed mobile operators.
Property, plants and equipment
The Group’s principal tangible fixed assets comprise properties and equipment
in respect of its mobile telecommunications network infrastructure. Network
equipment includes base stations and switch equipment, which is connected by
fixed microwave transmission links or fixed cable links.
The properties of the Group comprise, amongst other things, computerised
mobile telephone exchanges, operator centres and ancillary commercial centres
suitable for the operation of its cellular networks and related businesses,
together with related accommodation, including retail premises. At 31 March
2002, the Group’s properties are either freehold or held under long-term or
short-term leases with approximately 57% by value owned and approximately
25% held under leases running for 50 years or longer. The Group’s corporate
head office is in Newbury, United Kingdom. The tangible fixed assets acquired by
the Group during the financial year principally relate to the assets of Japan
Telecom and the J-Phone Group at acquisition, mainly network infrastructure for
fixed line and mobile telecommunications services, respectively.
Legal proceedings
The Company has been named as a defendant in four actions in the United
States alleging personal injury, including brain cancer, from mobile phone use.
Various other carriers and mobile phone manufacturers are also named as
defendants. These actions are at an early stage and no accurate quantification of
any losses which may arise out of the claims can therefore be made at the date
of this Annual Report. The Company is not aware that the health risks alleged in
such personal injury claims have been substantiated and will be vigorously
defending such claims.
Save as disclosed above, the Company and its subsidiaries are not involved in
any legal or arbitration proceedings (including any governmental proceedings
which are pending or known to be contemplated) which are expected to have,
or have had in the twelve months preceding the date of this document, a
significant effect on the financial position or profitability of the Company and its
subsidiaries. Descriptions of legal or arbitration proceedings included in prior
Annual Reports on Form 20-F have not been updated in this Annual Report since
such proceedings have not had, and management does not expect them to have,
significant effects on the Group’s financial position or profitability.