Vodafonewatch, issue 2008.10 snapshot

18 November 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Vodafone Group confirmed agreement to acquire a further 15% stake in South Africa’s Vodacom Group, paying approximately £1.3bn after debt consideration, to take its holding to a controlling 65% and convert Vodacom to ‘subsidiary’ status. The transaction promises to be positive in terms of ‘adjusted’ earnings and cash generation. A couple of interesting new details are the plan to maintain Vodacom as an African regional brand and operating hub (excluding existing investments in Ghana Telecom and Kenya’s Safaricom) and the absence of an obvious block on Vodafone raising its stake further once the remaining 35% of Vodacom is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2009.

Issue: 2008.10
Covering: 10 October to 4 November 2008
Published: November 2008
Next issue: November/December 2008

Vodafone and its rich web of OpCos — tracked and analysed worldwide. A unique monthly report for the industry.

About Vodafonewatch
Executive Brief
Extract
Table of Contents
Index

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Below is a free taster from issue 2008.xx (Month-Month 2008), including an Executive Brief, Extract, Table of Contents and Index, giving a valuable snapshot of the full report.

EXECUTIVE BRIEF

In the UK, Vodafone confirmed 14 November 2008 as the release date for Research In Motion’s high-profile BlackBerry Storm 9500 handset, which is reportedly being backed by significant marketing spend and competitive tariffs. Vodafone Group and associate Verizon Wireless have secured exclusive distribution rights to the Storm, which appears to be a serious contender to Apple’s iPhone 3G, Google’s Android G1, and other new devices for the title of most sought-after latest-generation consumer smartphone.

GROUP: Vodafone Group confirmed it would increase its shareholding in Polish operator Polkomtel through the purchase of a 4.8%-stake from Denmark’s TDC. The EUR176m agreement, following years of discussions, will increase Vodafone’s stake to 24.4%. Both Vodafone and South African unit Vodacom were also among firms to show interest in acquiring a 51%-stake in Nigerian telecoms group NITEL/MTel, which has again been put up for grabs by the government. Vodafone also furthered its emerging market presence via a strategic partnership with Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), Russia’s largest mobile operator. Through a co-branding arrangement, MTS will market Vodafone products and services through its operations in Armenia, Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. [pp.3-6.]

It was announced that Sir John Bond, Chairman of Vodafone Group, will step down from his position as an outside director of the troubled Ford Motor Company, to focus on his primary commitments at the Group. [pp.4.]

Jittery investors have been spooked in the run-up to Vodafone’s third-quarter results announcement by weaker-than-anticipated figures from Millicom International Cellular, which sparked concerns over the impact of the global economic downturn on emerging mobile markets. Vodafone further unsettled investors by phoning round analysts before the announcement, prompting fears that it was seeking to massage down expectations. [pp.6,7.]

Vodafone’s Ireland and UK units revealed contrasting pricing for the much-anticipated launch of Research In Motion’s BlackBerry Storm 9500 smartphone — the manufacturer’s first touch-screen device. Vodafone also signed an exclusive sales agreement with Hewlett-Packard for two of its smartphones. Vodafone UK and Visa Europe reported promising results for a recent mobile advertising campaign targeting roaming customers. [pp.7-9.]

David Leftley, Head of Technology Economics at Vodafone Group R&D, talked down the future sustainability of ‘network neutrality’, saying that the principle has led to a “free lunch” for application providers. Meanwhile, Vodafone Group was said to be considering backing the Global Network Initiative, a scheme that aims to establish a global code of conduct to better protect free online speech and privacy against government interference. Vendor Amdocs was selected to provide Vodafone with operational support system (OSS) fulfilment products in Europe. [pp.10,11.]

WESTERN EUROPE: In France, SFR played down the possibility of a near-term launch of femtocells, despite earlier enthusiasm for the technology. It also announced that Michel Paulin, former General Manager of Neuf Cegetel prior to its merger with SFR, will leave his position of Head of Networks, Information Systems, and Innovation. An administrative court in Paris ruled that some of SFR’s contract clauses violated consumer rights. [pp.12,13.]

Vodafone and O2 Germany launched an m-payment service called mpass, which allows subscribers to buy items online without the need for a separate credit or debit card. Vodafone Germany also added music identification service Shazam MusicFinder, as well as announcing the launch of four new flat-rate tariffs, and adopting analytic framework and data mining technology from KXEN and Teradata, respectively. [pp.13-15.]

Vodafone Malta implemented per-second billing for roaming within the European Union, while Vodafone Portugal launched a pre-paid option for its Vodafone Casa T0 Voz fixed-mobile substitution proposition. The unit also adopted MMS management tools from Splunk. Vodafone Spain, meanwhile, announced it would market mobile internet access to the hi5 social network through Vodafone live!, and launched the ZYB online back-up service. [pp.16-18.]

Personal pension details of all Vodafone UK staff were reportedly lost, when a laptop computer was stolen from an employee of the accountancy firm Deloitte. It was also reported that the OpCo would appoint Mark Bond, former interim-Enterprise Director, as its new Strategy Director. Again in the UK, an agreement was signed with satellite-navigation provider TomTom. Separately, the unit criticised government plans to require proof of identity to be presented in order to purchase a mobile connection, but fell foul of a ruling from the UK’s ASA over advertisement for its mobile broadband service. [pp.19-22.]

EASTERN EUROPE: Figures from IE Market Research predicted continued subscriber growth in the Czech Republic between now and 2010. In Poland, Polkomtel signed an MVNO agreement with QXL Poland, owner of internet portal Allegro.pl. [pp.23.]

Vodafone Romania confirmed the appointment of Tom Hargreaves as CFO, replacing Karsten Wildberger. [pp.24.]

MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA AND ASIA: A report highlighted gains being made by newcomer Etisalat Misr over Vodafone Egypt and rival Mobinil. In Ghana, Vodafone said it was already working on upgrades and capacity enhancements for Ghana Telecom’s network. [pp.25,26.]

In India, Vodafone Essar requested a postponement of India’s upcoming 3G licence auction, citing the deteriorating global economic climate. Kenya’s Safaricom responded to increasing competition by announcing price cuts and promotions for pre-paid and contract customers. It also trumpeted plans to develop applications offering customer-to-business (C2B) transactions on its M-PESA m-payment service. [pp.28,29.]

The IPO of Vodafone’s mobile joint venture in Qatar was delayed, with the company blaming international market turmoil and a shortage of liquidity. Vodafone Qatar added to its mobile and fixed-line licences, with a new concession to offer WiMAX services. [pp.30,31.]

South Africa’s Communication Workers’ Union announced its opposition to Vodafone’s pending acquisition of a controlling 15%-stake in Vodacom. Separately, Vodacom SA said it was ready to deploy 4G technology, while its Tanzanian sister unit announced a collaboration with the GSMA’s Development Fund and vendor Qualcomm on improving rural telecoms access. [pp.31-34.]

PACIFIC: Vodafone Australia selected Marketing Optimisation software from SAS, to enhance its marketing campaigns, and dismissed claims that it is planning widespread job cuts at its newly acquired Crazy John’s retail chain. There were reports that Vodafone Australia has postponed an upgrade to its 3G network to the first half of 2009, apparently at the request and liability of vendor Ericsson. [pp.35-37.]

Russell Stanners, Chief Executive of Vodafone New Zealand, slammed rival Telecom NZ over its plans to build a new WCDMA network. The unit is to start charging customers who receive bills by post. [pp.38,39.]

ASSOCIATES AND INVESTMENTS: Verizon Wireless maintained “strong and steady” growth through Q3, beating market estimates with a 31%-rise in profit. It was also boosted by approval for its controversial $28.1bn takeover of rival Alltel Corp., which should give it the lead in the US mobile market. However, the operator was criticised over a plan to surcharge content providers for each message sent to its subscribers. [pp.40-42.]

By contrast, China Mobile was seen to have disappointed the stock market with its Q3 figures, despite reporting a 26%-jump in earnings on the back of rapid subscriber growth. It also revealed plans to make femtocells available on China’s domestic TD-SCDMA standard. [pp.43,44.]

Bharti Airtel ranked 25th in a list of the world’s most valuable brands, and was reported to be among eight finalists in the contest to buy a 25%-stake in Omani incumbent Omantel. In its Q3 figures, the operator reported a 42%-rise in total revenue, helped by a 57%-increase in its subscriber base over the previous twelve months. [pp.45,46.]

EXTRACT

USA — VERIZON WIRELESS

Verizon boosted by VZW profits

Verizon Wireless (VZW) continued “strong and steady” growth during its third quarter (Q3 FY08), which ended 30 September 2008, helping Vodafone’s joint venture partner Verizon Communications to beat market estimates with a 31%-rise in profit. The mobile operator recorded a 12.5% year-on-year rise in Q3 revenue, to $12.7bn (£8.1bn/EUR6.4bn), with service revenue increasing 12.2% to $10.9bn.

” We had what we thought was a good quarter, in light of this current economic uncertainty around the world. Our business shows remarkable stability and strength. ”
– Ivan Seidenberg, Chief Executive, Verizon Communications.

For VZW, other highlights of the quarter included:

An addition of 2.1 million customers, giving the mobile operator a total of 70.8 million. 630,000 of these were gained from VZW’s recently completed purchase of Rural Cellular Corp. (Vodafonewatch, passim). VZW is also expected to overtake market leader AT&T, which has 74.9 million customers, through its pending acquisition of fellow mobile operator Alltel Corp. (Vodafonewatch, passim and separate report).

About 30% of the products bought by new customers were smartphones.

An overall churn rate of 1.33% — a level VZW claimed was industry-leading. Among its retail contract customers, churn was 1.03%.

Total service average revenue per user (ARPU) of $52.18, up 0.9% year-on-year. Total data ARPU was up 28.3%. Data revenue grew 42.5% over the prior year, to $2.8bn.

Wireless operating income margin of 27.3%, up 20 basis points year-on-year.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) margin on service revenue (non-GAAP standard accounting) of 44.2%.

Overall, Verizon Communications’ net income increased to $1.67bn during the quarter, up from $1.27bn a year earlier (when it was hit by a tax payout to the Italian government). The results accentuated the growing importance of VZW’s growth to the company.

Verizon Communications also added 233,000 subscribers to its strategically significant FiOS television service during the three months, to reach a total of 1.6 million. However, it also lost 1.19 million landline customers during the quarter — a fall it said may have been accelerated by the economic situation in the US — as well as 96,000 DSL subscribers. Sales rose 4.1%, to $24.8bn.

The operator said the economic downturn had increased price competition and prompted customers to delay upgrades.

” So far, so good; but remember, we’re looking at the picture through the rear view mirror. ”
– Craig Moffett, Analyst, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.

[Further reference: Verizon reports continued growth in 3Q -- Verizon Communications, 27 October 2008; Verizon gains most since 2000 as sales beat estimates -- Bloomberg, 27 October 2008; Verizon reports increased profits -- Financial Times, 28 October 2008; Profit up at Verizon on strong wireless sales -- International Herald Tribune, 28 October 2008.]

Verizon Wireless gains green light for Alltel takeover

Verizon Wireless (VZW) secured approval from both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) for its contentious $28.1bn (£17.4bn/EUR21.99bn) takeover of rival Alltel Corp. — a deal that, when completed, should give it the lead in the US mobile market (Vodafonewatch, passim).

The FCC’s approval, which came through a vote on 4 November 2008, earlier than many observers had expected, was secured after Kevin Martin, the Commission’s Chairman, recommended that the acquisition be cleared without introduction of ‘internet neutrality‘ or ‘open access‘ conditions. Some groups had called for such restrictions to be imposed upon VZW, in order to protect its suppliers (Vodafonewatch, 2008.08). A few days earlier, the takeover had been cleared by the DoJ, with VZW hailing its “terrific speed and thoroughness”.

VZW had been perceived to be keen to push through the merger by the end of 2008, thus avoiding any potential political consequences of the change in the US government. Martin and the Commission’s other two Republican (current ruling party) Commissioners, Deborah Taylor Tate and Robert McDowell, voted for the merger. Democratic (next government, from January 2009) Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein also voted in favour, but asked for additional guarantees to be imposed to protect Alltel’s existing roaming partners. They had earlier been reported to be also pushing for the deal to be accompanied by open access requirements.

The acquisition has also proved controversial to some investors, who raised questions over Alltel’s debt position (Vodafonewatch, 2008.09), while competitors, consumers, partners, and suppliers had also expressed fears over the potential market impact of the deal (Vodafonewatch, passim). For the acquisition to be completed, VZW will have to sell overlapping assets in 22 states, as well as preserve the roaming rates of Alltel’s existing deals for four years or the full length of the contracts, whichever is longer.

In the run-up to the FCC’s vote, VZW cited the credit crunch and financial turmoil in the USA as a justification for the acquisition’s approval, arguing that Alltel’s significant liabilities prevented the company from building out its infrastructure. The operator will pay $5.9bn in cash for Alltel and assume $22.2bn in debt.

VZW has said the takeover will help it increase coverage and cut costs, as well as adding several million new subscribers to its network, thus allowing it to leapfrog current market leader AT&T. Although it has yet to announce how many customers will be offloaded through asset sales, Alltel had 13.8 million subscribers at the end of September 2008. As reported separately, VZW had 70.8 million at the same date, while AT&T had 74.9 million.

[Further reference: FCC schedules Nov. 4 vote on two key wireless mergers -- Telecommunications Reports, October 2008; DoJ said to have made call on Clearwire, to be close to Alltel OK -- Telecom A.M., 17 October 2008; Verizon, Alltel invoke crash in arguing for merger -- Communications Daily, 20 October 2008; Rural groups want delay in Verizon Wireless-Alltel merger, TR Daily, 24 October 2008; Chairman Martin eschews open access conditions in proposed merger orders -- IP Network Policy Report, 24 October 2008; Justice Backs Verizon-Alltel Deal -- Washington Post, 31 October 2008; FCC Approves $28.1 Billion Verizon-Alltel Merger -- InformationWeek, 4 November 2008; FCC Approves Verizon's Alltel Purchase, Sprint-Clearwire Plan -- Bloomberg, 4 November 2008.]

Content providers slam VZW charge plans

There was criticism of a decision by Verizon Wireless (VZW) to levy a fee of $0.03 (£0.019/EUR0.023) to content providers for each message sent to the operator’s mobile subscribers, which could add up to significant amounts for providers supplying services to a large customer base.

While the operator subsequently indicated that it may not have made a final decision on its new business model, a statement issued via its middlemen certainly seemed definitive, and some content providers were reportedly notified that the charges would come into effect on 1 November 2008.

The fee would be applied to text alerts, interactive voting notifications, and SMS messaging-based search responses, and is charged on top of current messaging termination rates. It would not apply to text-based charity donations, or free-to-user campaigns, where the sender absorbs all of the costs associated with material. However, all commercial services would be impacted.

RCR Wireless News, which first reported the move, noted that companies likely to be affected include: major search players, such as Google; media companies, such as CNN, ESPN, and local outlets; mobile couponing companies; and banks. One such company said the change “came completely out of left field”, and “may amount to a staggering 50-fold increase” in the cost of delivering texts to VZW users.

The change could mean that some content providers may opt not to serve VZW subscribers, or that costs to consumers are increased to cover the charges levied by the operator. Smaller players may see the biggest increase, although those with bulk deals with VZW will still also be impacted.

VZW said the charge is necessary to cover its overheads related to the delivery of messages to users, and that the increase would be its first since 2003. It claimed the document issued was a “draft intended to stimulate internal business discussions and in no way should have been released to the public and represented as a final document”.

It was also suggested that other operators may be monitoring the Verizon Wireless situation, to see if it can “weather the storm”, and may subsequently increase their own charges. It was noted that while many smaller players and pure-play mobile companies may be in a weak position, “major media and internet companies are sure to take issue with the new fee — perhaps publicly”.

VZW was criticised as being the least supportive tier-one player when it comes to messaging-based content services, for example, lacking widespread support for links to mobile internet sites sent in text messages. It was also “implied” that the company could offset some costs via mobile advertising revenue, an area in which it is not currently active. Content partners were reportedly notified of the new levy by OpenMarket, the Amdocs’ subsidiary that works with VZW to enable third-party content services.

[Further reference: Verizon Wireless to charge content vendors 3-cent fee for text messages -- RCR Wireless News, 9 October 2008; ‘Sense of panic' as content vendors respond to Verizon Wireless' proposed 3-cent texting fee -- RCR Wireless News, 10 October 2008; Verizon backtracks on 3 cent SMS fee; it's a ‘proposal' up for ‘discussion'-- mocoNews.net, 10 October 2008.]

3 Group
3 M&A
4 People
5 Financial
6 Strategy
7 Products and services
9 Suppliers
10 Technology
11 Society
12 Western Europe
12 France
13 Germany
14 Greece
15 Ireland; Italy
16 Malta;
Portugal
17 Netherlands;
Spain
19 United Kingdom
23 Eastern Europe
23 Czech Republic;
Hungary;
Poland — Polkomtel
24 Romania;
Turkey
25 MEAA
25 Egypt
26 Ghana
27 India
28 Kenya
30 Qatar
31 South Africa
34 Tanzania
35 Pacific
35 Australia
36 Fiji
38 New Zealand
40 AIP
40 Verizon Wireless
43 China Mobile
45 Bharti Airtel
47 INDEX

INDEX

Aditya Birla Group
- Idea Cellular, 27, 45
- – Indus Towers, 27, 45
Africa, 4-6, 24, 25, 27-29, 31-32, 34
- Congo, 31
- East Africa, 25, 28-29
- Egypt, 11, 25, 31
- Ghana, 5, 26, 31
- – Government, 5, 26
- Kenya, 11, 28-31
- Lesotho, 31
- Mozambique, 31
- Nigeria, 4-5
- – National Council on Privatisation (NCP), 4-5
- South Africa, 4-5, 31-32, 34
- – Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), 31
- – Department of Communications (DOC), 31
- Tanzania, 11, 31, 34
- – Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), 34
Algorithms, 15
ALLTEL Corporation, 40-41
Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), 36
- Telecom Fiji, 36
- Vodafone Fiji, 36
Amdocs Ltd, 11, 42
- OpenMarket, Inc., 42
Americas, 6-7, 23, 26-27, 31, 40-42
- Canada, 23
- Caribbean, 6, 36
- Central America, 6
- Latin America, 6, 27
- South America, 6, 27
- United States of America (USA), 6-7, 15, 26, 31, 40-42, 44
- – Department of Justice (DoJ), 41
- – Government, 41
Analysys Mason, 21
Apple, 7, 20, 38
- iPhone, 7, 38
Asia-Pacific, 6, 25, 27, 35
- Australia, 35-37
- China, 5, 43-44
- – Province/Municipality/Region
- – - Beijing, 9
- Fiji, 36
- Hong Kong, 6
- India, 6, 27, 29, 45-46
- – Consumer District Redressal Forum, 27
- – Department of Telecommunications (DoT), 27
- – Government, 26, 45
- – Income Tax Department, 10
- – Licence Circles
- – - Himachal Pradesh, 8
- – Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), 24
- New Zealand, 38-39
- Sri Lanka, 45
- Turkmenistan, 6
- Uzbekistan, 6
ASPire Group, 43
AT&T, 5, 40-41
Automobile Association, 45

Bharti Group
- Bharti Airtel, 6, 27, 45-46
- – Arora, Nikesh, 46
- – Indus Towers, 27, 45
- – Kohli, Manoj, 45-46
- Bharti Enterprises, 45
- Mittal, Sunil Bharti, 46
Black + White Services Ltd, 39
BNP Paribas, 5
Bouygues Group, 12
Brand Finance, 45
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
- BBC Worldwide
- – BBC Audiobooks, 21
BT Group, 21
Bundesliga, 13

Carphone Warehouse, 7
Central/Eastern Europe, 3, 6, 23-24
- Armenia, 6
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), 6
- Czech Republic, 23, 30
- Hungary, 23
- – National Communications Authority (NHH), 23
- Poland, 3, 23-24
- – Electronic Communication Office (UKE, Poland), 24
- – Government, 3, 24
- Romania, 24
- – National Authority for Regulation in Communications and Information Technology (ANC/ANRCTI/ANRC), 24
- Russia, 6
- Turkey, 24
- Ukraine, 6
China Mobile, 5, 43-44
- Wang Jianzhou, 44
Cisco Systems, 10
Citrix Systems, 42
Collins Stewart, 6-7
Communication Workers’ Union (CWU), 31
Computacenter, 14
- Allnet, 14
Comverse Technology, 42
Cossette Communication Group
- Dare Digital, 20
Cox Communications, Inc., 42
Crazy John’s (see also Vodafone Australia), 35, 37

Debitel, 12, 14
Dell, 20
Deutsche Bank, 7
Deutsche Telekom, 14, 17, 20, 23-24, 43
- Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa (PTC), 23-24
- T-Mobile International, 14, 17, 20, 23, 43
- – Czech Republic, 23
- – Hungary, 23
- – UK, 20
Digicel, 6, 36
- Fiji, 36
DSG International plc, 10
- PC World, 10

Econet Wireless Group, 28-29
- Kenya, 28-29
Embarq Corp., 42
Ericsson, 36
Essar Group, 27-29, 45
- Econet Wireless, 28-29
- Essar Communications, 28-29
- – Econet Wireless (see also separate entry), 28-29
- Vodafone Essar, 27, 45
Etisalat, 5, 25
- Etisalat Misr (Egypt), 25
European Union, 16

Football Association, 13
Ford Motor Company, 4
France Télécom, 10-11, 12-13, 19, 23-24, 25, 28-29
- Orange, 10, 12-13, 19, 23, 25, 28-29
- – France, 12-13
- – Mobinil, 25
- – Poland (see also Telekomunikacja Polska) , 23-24
- – Telkom Kenya (see also separate entry), 28-29
- – UK, 19

Globacom Ltd, 4-5
- Glo Mobile, 4
Global Network Initiative, 11
Google, 11, 20-21, 32, 42-43, 46
- Android, 32, 43
GSM Association, 11, 20, 34
- Green Power for Mobile, 11

Hewlett-Packard, 8
hi5 Networks, 17
High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC), 32, 43
HSBC, 30
Huawei Technologies, 9, 21, 45
- Vodafone Station, 15
Hutchison Whampoa, 20, 27
- 3 Group, 20
- – 3 UK, 20
- Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd, 27

IDG, 26
IE Market Research Corp., 17, 19, 23-24, 25, 32
Indus Towers, 27, 45
iris Worldwide, 4
- iris Sponsorship, 4
IXI Mobile, 14
- Ogo, 14

Juniper Networks, 10

KGHM, 3, 23
Klausner Technologies, Inc., 42
KPN
- KPN Mobile, 17
KXEN, Inc., 15

LCC International, Inc., 22
Lenovo, 43
LG Electronics, 42

Microsoft, 11, 14
Middle East, 6, 11, 14, 24, 25, 30-31
- Egypt, 11, 25, 31
- Iraq, 31
- Israel, 14
- Oman, 45
- Qatar, 30-31
- – Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, 30
- – Supreme Council for Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR), 30-31
Millicom International Cellular, 6-7, 27
Mirambo Ltd, 34
Mobinil, 25
Mobitelea Ventures, 28-29
Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc., 20
Motorola, 16, 41
mpass (Germany, Vodafone/O2/paybox), 13
MTN, 4-5, 31-32, 45
- Nigeria, 4-5
- South Africa, 5, 31-32

Naspers Limited (MIH Group, South Africa)
- Tradus
- – QXL Poland, 23
National Communications Authority, Hungary, 23-24
Neotel (Pty) Ltd (SNO Telecommunications, see also Reliance), 32
Nokia, 4, 19-20
NZ Communications, 29

Oger Telecom
- Cell C, 32
Old Mutual plc
- Old Mutual Asset Managers (Kenya) Ltd, 29
Olympic Games
- 2008 Olympic Games (Beijing), 9
Oman Telecommunication Co. (Omantel), 45
Open Handset Alliance (OHA), 32, 43
- Android, 32, 43
Option International, 9

Paul Budde Communication Pty Ltd, 38
Pentascope International BV Private Ltd, 4
Phones4U, 7-8
picoChip Designs Ltd, 43
PKN Orlen, 3, 23
Polkomtel, 3, 23-24
- Plus GSM, 3, 23
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE), 3, 23
Portugal Telecom
- TMN, 19
Post Vision Technology (Pty) Ltd, 34
PricewaterhouseCoopers, 5
PTC, 23-24
Publicis Group
- Bartle Bogle Hegarty, 20

Qatar Foundation Consortium, 30
Qatar National Bank (QNB), 30
Qatar Telecom (Qtel), 30-31
Qualcomm, Inc., 34
- Wireless Reach, 34

Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group
- Reliance Communications (RCom), 4
Research In Motion, 7-8, 12, 16, 20, 38, 41
- BlackBerry, 7-8, 12, 16, 20, 38, 41
Reunert Limited Group
- Nashua Mobile, 31

Safaricom, 11, 28-30
- Jibambie, 28
- Joseph, Michael, 11, 28-30
- M-PESA, 29
Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., 40
Seeker Wireless Pty Ltd, 38
Shazam Entertainment Ltd, 14
Sistema
- Mobile TeleSystems, 6
SmarTone-Vodafone, 6
Sonaecom
- Optimus, 19
Splunk, Inc., 17
Spoken Entertainment Ltd
- GoSpoken.com, 21
Starcomms plc, 4
Supreme Council for Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR), 30-31

Tata Group
- Tata Communications, 32
- – Neotel (see also separate listing), 32
TD-SCDMA Industry Alliance, 43
TDC, 3, 23
Technology
- 2G, 4, 7, 11, 20-21, 24, 27, 34, 36, 38, 44
- – CDMA, 4, 7
- – EDGE, 44
- – GPRS, 21, 36
- – GSM, 4, 7, 11, 20, 24, 27, 34, 36
- 3G, 6-7, 9, 12, 15, 21-22, 27, 32, 34, 36, 38, 43-44
- – CDMA2000 (EV-DO), 38
- – Evolved HSPA (HSPA+/I-HSPA), 9, 21, 34, 38
- – HSDPA, 6-7, 12, 15, 22, 27, 32, 36, 38, 43-44
- – HSPA, 9, 21, 34, 38
- – HSUPA, 21
- – TD-SCDMA, 43
- – WCDMA, 38
- 4G, 12, 16, 30-32, 43
- – 3GPP Long Term Evolution, 32, 43
- – Long Term Evolution (LTE), 32, 43
- – WiMAX, 16, 30-31
- Billing, 16, 27, 39
- DSL, 15, 21, 40
- – ADSL2, 15
- Femtocell, 12, 43
- Fibre, 32
- Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC), 38
- IM, 14, 20
- IN, 26
- IP, 10-11, 41
- Linux, 43
- MMS, 17, 44
- MPLS, 11
- MVNO, 23, 35
- Personal computer, 10, 19-20, 45
- – Netbook, 20
- R&D, 10-11, 44
- RAN, 30
- SIM, 16, 20
- SMS, 13, 28, 32, 42, 44
- Spectrum, 27, 31
- – 850 MHz, 38
- – 900 MHz, 38
- – 2100 MHz, 38
- TV, 45
- VoIP, 4
- W-LAN, 15, 21
- Windows
- – Windows Mobile, 8
Telecom Egypt, 25
Telecom New Zealand, 38
Telefónica Group, 5, 7, 13, 19-21, 23
- Telefónica Europe (O2), 7, 13, 19-21, 23
- – Czech Republic, 23
- – Germany, 13
- – UK, 19-21
Telekomunikacja Polska SA (TPSA, see also France Télécom), 23-24
- PTK Centertel Sp. z o.o., 24
Telenor, 4, 6, 23
- Pannon GSM, 23
TeliaSonera, 10
Telkom Kenya Ltd (Orange Kenya), 28-29, 31
Telkom South Africa, 4-5, 11, 31-32, 34
- Vodacom Group (See also separate listing), 4-5, 11, 31-32, 34
Teradata Corporation, 15
Time Warner, 42
- CNN, 42
TomTom, 21
Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), 4-5
- Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), 4-5
- – Nigerian Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTel), 4-5
Truphone, 4

UFC-Que Choisir, 13

Verizon Communications, 5-7, 15, 40-42
- Seidenberg, Ivan, 40
- Verizon Wireless, 5-7, 15, 40-42
- – Harris, Mark, 42
- – Miller, Rob, 41
- – Rural Cellular Corporation (RCC), 40
- Vodafone Omnitel, 15, 40
Visa, 9
Visafone Communications Ltd, 4
Vivendi, 5, 12-13, 23-24
- Canal Plus, 13
- Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa (PTC), 23-24
- SFR (Société Française de Radiotéléphone), 12-13
- – Allemand, Pierre-Alain, 12
- – Berthouloux, Thierry, 12
- – Iooss, Eric, 12
- – Mounier, Jean-Louis, 12
- – Neuf Cegetel, 12-13
- – - AOL France, 12
- – - Club Internet, 12
- – Tele2 France, 12
Vodacom Group, 4-5, 11, 31-32, 34
- Congo, 31
- Group, 31, 34
- Lesotho, 31
- Mare, Dietlof, 34
- Mozambique, 31
- Nagdee, Bashir, 34
- Quartero, Ermano, 32
- South Africa, 4-5, 31-32, 34
- Tanzania, 11, 31, 34
- Taylor, Mark, 31
- Vodacom Business, 32
Vodafone Group, 3-11, 12-17, 19-22, 23-24, 25-31, 34, 35-39, 40, 43, 45
- Corporate
- – ASPire Group, 43
- – Vodafone Procurement Company S.a.r.l, 11
- EMAPA — USA
- – USA (see also Verizon), 5-7, 15, 40-42
- EMAPA — Asia-Pacific & Middle East
- – Asia, 6, 25, 27
- – Australia, 35-37
- – - Crazy John’s (see also separate listing), 35, 37
- – China (see also China Mobile), 5, 43-44
- – Egypt, 11, 25, 31
- – Fiji, 36
- – India, 6, 27, 29, 45-46
- – - Indus Towers, 27, 45
- – Middle East, 6, 24, 25, 30
- – Middle East and Africa, 6, 24
- – New Zealand, 38-39
- – Pacific, 35
- – Qatar (see also Vodafone and Qatar Foundation and Vodafone Qatar), 30-31
- – South Africa (see also Vodacom), 4-5, 11, 31-32, 34
- EMAPA — Central Europe & Africa
- – Africa, 4-6, 24, 25, 27-29, 31-32, 34
- – Czech Republic, 23, 30
- – Eastern Europe, 3, 23-24
- – Ghana, 5, 26, 31
- – Hungary, 23
- – Kenya (see also Safaricom), 11, 28-31
- – Poland (see also Polkomtel), 3, 23-24
- – Romania, 24
- – Turkey, 24
- Ex-executives
- – Harris, Peter, 4
- – Wilson, Geraldine, 4
- Executives
- – Badu, Stephen, 26
- – Bannigan, Steve, 37
- – Berroeta, Iñaki, 16
- – Bond, Mark, 20
- – Bond, Sir John, 4
- – Bourland, Eric, 26
- – Brislen, Paul, 38
- – Carvalho, Paulo, 17
- – Coimbra, Antonio , 19
- – Colao, Vittorio, 6
- – Daly, Richard, 25
- – Don-Chebe, Albert, 26
- – Fleiter, Brendan, 35
- – Gascon, Javier, 17
- – Grech Mallia, Marcel, 16
- – Grey, Ian, 3
- – Hargreaves, Tom, 24
- – Harrison-Harvey, Matthew, 30
- – Hay, Libby, 39
- – Kelly, Peter, 20
- – Lawrence, Guy, 20
- – Leftley, David, 10
- – Maher, Grahame, 30-31
- – Meuther, Verena, 15
- – Pluecker, Ralf, 14
- – Poernomo, Cahyadi, 35
- – Reeves, Andy, 36
- – Robbins, Chris, 23
- – Saggers, Richard, 9
- – Shepherd, Ian, 22
- – Smith, Charlie, 20
- – Stanners, Russell, 38
- – Venn, David, 26
- – Wheldon, David, 20
- – Wildberger, Karsten, 24
- Group, 3-6, 8-11, 14-15, 20-21, 23, 25, 27-31, 34, 36, 40, 43, 45
- Marketing, 4, 9, 15, 18, 20-22, 23, 30, 35, 38
- – Vodafone Select Dealer (Australia), 37
- – ZYB (Imity), 19
- Partner Markets, 6, 9, 36, 45
- – Bulgaria (Mobiltel), 4-5
- – Caribbean (Digicel), 6, 36
- – Channel Islands (Airtel-Vodafone), 6
- – Hong Kong (SmarTone-Vodafone), 6
- – Russia and CIS (Mobile TeleSystems/MTS), 6
- – Sweden (Telenor), 4, 6
- Products, 6-8, 11, 29, 40, 45
- – 3G Broadband, 22
- – Advantage (Ireland), 15
- – Anytime, 20
- – Best for Talk (UK), 7
- – Best for Text (UK), 7
- – BlackBerry, 8, 12, 16, 20, 38
- – Books on Mobile (UK), 21
- – Broadband4U (Ghana), 26
- – Business&Life (Italy), 20, 37
- – CallYa, 14
- – Casa, 15-16
- – Casa T0 (Portugal), 16
- – CU (Greece), 14
- – Family, 20
- – Find&Go (UK), 7
- – FlipFont (UK), 20
- – Freedom Bundle (Ireland), 15
- – Hello Tunes (Fiji), 45
- – Home&Beyond (Malta), 16
- – Home Internet (Malta), 16
- – Home Phone (New Zealand), 16
- – Internet On Your Mobile (UK), 38
- – M-PESA, 29
- – Mobile Broadband, 6, 9, 15-16, 20-22, 36-37
- – Mobile Connect, 21
- – Mobile Email, 36
- – Mobile Internet (UK), 4, 16-17, 20-21, 27, 42
- – mpass (Germany, see also separate listing), 13
- – MusicFinder, 14
- – Passport, 21
- – Perfect Choice Access (Ireland), 8
- – SIM Only (UK), 20
- – SuperFlat (Germany), 14
- – Terminals, 9, 21
- – - K3760 USB Stick (Option Int.), 9
- – - USB Modem, 9, 21
- – - USB Modem Stick, 9
- – - USB Stick Pro (UK), 9
- – Vodafone CU, 14
- – Vodafone Music, 14
- – Vodafone Music Store, 14
- – Vodafone Station (Italy), 15
- – World, 16
- – ZYB, 19
- R&D, 9-10
- Strategy, 5-6, 15, 20, 35, 37
- – Total Communications, 31
- Vodafone Foundation, 30
- – Group, 30
- Western Europe, 12
- – France (see also Vivendi/SFR), 5, 12-13
- – Germany, 13-15, 26
- – - Arcor, 13
- – Greece, 14
- – Ireland, 7-8, 15
- – - Perlico, 15
- – Italy, 15, 40
- – Malta, 16
- – Netherlands, 17, 19
- – - The Network Factory (TNF), 17
- – Portugal, 16-17, 19
- – Spain, 17, 19, 26
- – Sweden, 4
- – UK, 4-5, 7-9, 15, 19-22, 37-38
Vodafone Qatar Q.S.C., 30-31
- Maher, Grahame, 30-31

The Walt Disney Company
- ESPN, 42
Weather Investments
- Orascom Telecom
- – Mobinil, 25
- – Wind Telecomunicazioni, 11
Weglokoks, 3, 23
Western Europe, 12
- Austria, 6
- Channel Islands, 6, 45
- Denmark, 3
- France, 10-11, 12-13, 23, 25, 28-29
- – Autorite de Regulation des Communications Electroniques et des Postes (ARCEP), 12
- Germany, 13-15, 26
- Greece, 14
- Ireland, 7-8, 15
- Italy, 15, 40
- – Government, 40
- Malta, 16
- Netherlands, 3, 17, 19
- – Ministry of Economic Affairs, 17
- Portugal, 13, 16-17, 19
- Scandinavia, 6
- Spain, 17, 19, 26
- Sweden, 4
- United Kingdom (UK), 4-5, 7-9, 15, 19-22, 38
- – Advertising Standards Authority, 22
- – Government, 21, 31
Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF), 10

Yahoo!, 11

Zain Group (MTC/Celtel), 4-6, 26, 28-29
- OpCos (Zain/Celtel/MTC), 4-6, 26, 28-29
- – Ghana, 5, 26
- – Kenya, 28-29
- – Nigeria (Vmobile), 4-5
- – Zambia, 26
ZTE Corporation, 9

Written by AB · Filed Under KnowVodafone

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Vodafonewatch, issue 2008.10 snapshot

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