Vodafone today announces its second Partner Network Agreement with Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC)*. This latest Partner Network Agreement extends Vodafone's existing relationship with MTC in Kuwait into the Bahraini market, following the launch of MTC-Vodafone Bahrain on 28th December, and brings the total number of Vodafone Partner Networks to 11.
In April 2003, MTC was chosen by Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to develop the country's 2nd GSM service. As with MTC in Kuwait, the Bahraini subsidiary will operate under the brand MTC-Vodafone.
MTC-Vodafone Bahrain will start to introduce Vodafone's international services in 2004, providing Vodafone and its partners' customers seamless access to Vodafone's international mobile services while travelling in Bahrain. In turn, MTC-Vodafone Bahrain's customers will be able to enjoy the benefits of Vodafone's roaming services across its global footprint.
Peter Bamford, Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone said: "The launch of the MTC-Vodafone network in Bahrain builds on Vodafone's existing relationship with MTC and expands Vodafone's brand and services in the Middle East. The adoption of a dual-brand by MTC originally in Kuwait and now in Bahrain, illustrates the scale and scope of Vodafone's international brand profile."
Dr Saad Al Barrak, Director General of the MTC Group of Companies responded saying: "The launch of the MTC-Vodafone service in Bahrain is a significant step forward not only for Bahrain but also for the Middle East. Deregulation of the wider telecoms sector will drive natural competition all to the benefit of mobile users as new, creative services and keener pricing come into play."
Following today's announcement, Vodafone's portfolio of global services, supported by its global brand, will be available in 11 Partner Network countries: Austria, Bahrain, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Kuwait, Lithuania, Singapore and Slovenia.
Notes to Editors
* The first Partner Network Agreement with Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) in Kuwait, was signed in September 2002.
For further information:
Vodafone Group
Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310
Investor Relations
Melissa Stimpson
Darren Jones
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310
Media Relations
Jon Earl
Janine Young
Emma Conlon
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310
Tavistock Communications
John West
Justin Griffiths
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7920 3150
About Vodafone
Vodafone provides a full range of mobile telecommunications services, including voice and data communications. Vodafone has equity interests in 26 countries and Partner Networks in a further 11 countries, with a proportionate customer base of over 125 million.
