Vodafone unveils largest 4G international roaming network
Aussie underdog harnesses global might to challenge industry bill shockers
Vodafone Australia has announced it will switch on 4G international roaming mid-year allowing its customers to be the first to experience ultra-fast access to Vodafone networks in NZ, UK and Europe at no further cost.
Following the introduction of $5-a-day Red plans providing international roaming to more than 40 countries, Vodafone is again leading the industry by providing customers access to the largest 4G international roaming network.
Benoit Hanssen, Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone Australia said this was yet another step in Vodafone’s ambitious network strategy, which is driven by delivering an ever-improving customer experience.
Hanssen said the company’s advantage was due to being connected to one of the world’s largest mobile companies: “Vodafone Australia is in an enviable position with the largest global network at its fingertips and therefore at the fingertips of its customers.”
Customers will be able to download music, update facebook and use their data while roaming on Vodafone’s super-fast 4G in NZ, UK and Europe by mid-year, with more countries to be added later.
Hanssen said: “We have spent billions building a new 3G and 4G network and this latest news shows we have no intention of slowing down.
“Our customers are among the most mobile in the world; among the fastest adopters of new technology; and, among the biggest travellers globally.
“To extend access so customers can continue to enjoy super-fast speeds internationally is a natural next step and the Red plans offer the best value in the industry for data allowances both here and overseas.”
Hanssen added: “Travellers, whether on holiday or business, will be able to take their plan overseas for only $5 a day and enjoy the benefits of super-fast 4G. Whether updating Facebook or checking work emails, 4G roaming is easy to use and typically less expensive than many hotel wi-fi connections.”
Vodafone Australia’s announcement comes as its UK parent, Vodafone Group, announced it would offer roaming on its ultra-fast 4G roaming to more countries than any other mobile operator worldwide.
Vodafone Group in the UK already offers 4G roaming on its own networks in Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Spain. Between now and the end of 2014, Vodafone would launch 4G roaming in Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK. In addition, Vodafone customers will be able to use 4G networks of other telecommunications companies in Austria, Belgium, France, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Switzerland.
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Note to editors:
Under its Project Spring £7 billion investment programme, Vodafone has fast-tracked its 4G roaming plans to ensure that key holiday destinations are covered. It will also offer 4G roaming to customers of other operators under its existing reciprocal roaming agreements.
Usage outside a customer’s Vodafone Red plan will be charged at Australian domestic rates.
About Vodafone Australia:
Vodafone is one of the world’s largest mobile communications companies by revenue with approximately 419 million customers in its controlled and jointly controlled markets as of 31 December 2013. Vodafone has equity interests in telecommunications operations in nearly 30 countries and around 50 partner networks worldwide.