Vodafone 2005 Annual Report Download - page 17

Business |15
whilst travelling in the US and a data card supporting both GPRS and EDGE technology
which provides high speed connectivity in a number of the Group’s Partner Networks.
Vodafone Mobile Connect data cards are available in an increasing number of
distribution channels and with a growing range of service and price bundles.
At 31 March 2005, there were 0.5 million registered Vodafone Mobile Connect data
cards on the Group’s controlled networks, including 0.3 million 3G/GPRS data cards.
Other Business Services
Beyond the wireless enablement of laptop computers, there is an increasing demand for
handheld solutions that allow real time access to email, calendar and other applications.
During 2004, Vodafone launched its BlackBerry®from Vodafone proposition.
On 21 April 2005, the Group announced the roll out of Vodafone push email, a service
providing real-time, secure and remote access to email, contacts and calendar direct to
a range of business-focused mobile devices. New email, calendar appointment and
contact details are automatically ‘pushed’ to the customer’s selected device and
updates made on the device are automatically reflected on the customer’s PC. During
the launch phase the service will be supported by four devices, with additional devices
introduced in the coming months.
Roaming services
Accompanying the multi-market launch of 3G services in 2004, the Group delivered
extensive 3G roaming services, demonstrating Vodafone’s ability to build seamless
services rapidly across its international footprint. 3G roaming for the Vodafone Mobile
Connect data card was rolled out during the spring and, in May 2004, roaming was
launched for Vodafone live! with 3G, including the first international video telephony
roaming services.
By November, roaming for Vodafone live! with 3G and the Vodafone Mobile Connect
3G/GPRS data card was available across 14 of the Group’s mobile operating
subsidiaries, associated undertakings and Partner Networks in Europe and Japan, with
12 of these offering video telephony roaming services. Vodafone’s leading 3G roaming
footprint is expected to continue to expand over the coming year.
In summer 2004, the Group launched a pan-European roaming promotion aimed at
increasing the uptake and use of voice roaming services by consumer segment
customers. Ten markets ran the promotion between July and September, supported by
a common communications campaign. Many new roamers were attracted by the offer,
which also increased usage and selection of Vodafone networks.
In May 2005, the Group announced the launch of the Vodafone Travel Promise, new
roaming campaign, the first element of which is the Vodafone Passport voice roaming
price plan. The Vodafone Passport price plan has been created following extensive
customer research to offer greater price transparency and certainty to customers when
using roaming services abroad.
In May 2004, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone jointly developed and launched the Global
Phone roaming service to address the needs of US based frequent world travellers
across their combined global footprint. The Global Phone service offers a choice of two
integrated GSM/CDMA handsets that work both in the USA on Verizon’s CDMA network
and on Vodafone’s and its roaming partners’ GSM networks in 120 countries
worldwide. The service offers seamless features like one number, one voicemail box,
international SMS and a single bill. The service, initially offered to large corporate
customers, was extended to the broader mass business market in September 2004.
Other initiatives
In March 2005, Vodafone Germany launched Vodafone At Home, an alternative to a
fixed line network allowing private householders and home office users to replace their
existing fixed line connection. The Group also demonstrated new mobile TV technology
and a number of new handsets, including two Ferrari branded handsets, jointly
developed with Sharp.
Summary of Group Products and Services
The following table summarises the availability of the Group’s most significant products
and services:
Marketing and brand
Brand
Brand marketing focuses on consistency, differentiation and preference for the
Vodafone brand. A programme has been undertaken to simplify and align the various
elements of the brand in order to deliver a more consistent brand experience.
Customer Communications
Communication to drive brand preference and service usage is facilitated through
various integrated advertising media including radio, television, print and outdoor sites.
This is supported by strong sponsorship relationships, such as those with Ferrari and
Manchester United, which have global exposure and allow for benefits to be realised at
the local level. Media activity is based on customer insight, and is designed to ensure
a consistent and effective brand experience across Vodafone’s footprint.
Subsidiaries
Germany
Italy
UK
Spain
Egypt
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Malta
Netherlands
Portugal
Sweden
Japan
Australia
New Zealand
Associates
France
Belgium
Switzerland
South Africa
Partner Networks
Austria
Bahrain
Croatia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Hong Kong
Singapore
Slovenia
Total markets
Vodafone live! Vodafone live! with 3G Vodafone Mobile Connect data card Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data card BlackBerry from Vodafone Vodafone Wireless Office
Country
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Key:
Available throughout the 2005 financial year
Launched in the 2005 financial year
Launched since 31 March 2005
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