Vodafone to launch fixed broadband service in 2017
Customers to be "always connected"
Vodafone has announced it will offer consumer and enterprise customers a seamless internet experience by launching fixed broadband before the end of 2017 to complement its mobile network.
Speaking at the telecommunication industry’s premier annual address, the Charles Todd Oration in Sydney today, Vodafone Chief Executive Officer Iñaki Berroeta said the fixed broadband service will be delivered via the National Broadband Network (NBN).
“Whether it’s at home, work, or in between, Australians want to be always connected to stream music and video, send messages, make purchases, or grow their business,” Mr Berroeta said.
“We know that customers love data, with around 14,000 terabytes used on the Vodafone mobile network each month, and their appetite for fast data is continuing to grow. The NBN will allow us to deliver more data to our customers.
“Not only are Australians consuming more and more data, they are increasingly using mobile and fixed broadband interchangeably. Consumers are converged, but the telco market isn’t and we want to change this.
“Customers want seamless connection, easy-to-understand plans and reliable service – and that’s the proposition we’ll be bringing to Australia.”
Mr Berroeta said the time was right for Vodafone to expand its consumer and enterprise offerings to include fixed broadband.
“We have a strong 4G network which covers more than 22 million Australians and is enjoyed by 5.5 million customers, the NBN rollout is gaining momentum and there is strong consumer demand for continuous connectivity,” he said.
“It’s anticipated that four million Australian homes will be NBN-ready by the end of next year, so the project is reaching a scale where it provides the platform to deliver a service that complements our mobile network.
“This is a natural progression for our business, and we expect that through a fixed broadband service, Vodafone will become an even stronger competitive force in the Australian telecommunications market.”
Mr Berroeta said the move by the company to launch a broadband service is in response to strong customer demand.
“We’ve heard the message loud and clear, both from our existing customers and Australians who don’t currently have a service with us, that they want Vodafone to offer home and office fixed broadband as well as mobile,” he said.
“Just as we have done for mobile, we see a real opportunity to make a difference in the fixed broadband market by delivering great service and value for customers.
“Because we will be investing in a brand new capability, we will be able to deliver a better customer experience and a market-leading price for both consumers and businesses.
“If you look at how we’ve been able to shift the mobile market for the benefit of customers, including unlimited calls and texts, flat $10 per gigabyte data overage and accessible international roaming through $5 Roaming, we plan to bring the same transparent, fair approach to fixed broadband.”
Notes to editors:
Details about Vodafone’s fixed broadband offering, including plans and pricing, will be released closer to launch in 2017.