Closing of Acquisition

Vodafone Group PLC
12 July 2001


12 July 2001

             CLOSING OF VODAFONE'S ACQUISITION OF BT'S INTERESTS
                      IN THE J-PHONE OPERATING COMPANIES

Vodafone Group Plc ('Vodafone') announces today that, following the exercise
by British Telecommunications Plc ('BT') of its option over shares in J-Phone
East Co. Ltd, J-Phone West Co., Ltd. and J-Phone Central Co., Ltd. (together,
the 'J-Phone Operating Companies'), it has completed the acquisition of BT's
interests in these companies.

                                   - ends -

For further information contact:

Vodafone Group Plc
Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Melissa Stimpson, Head of Group Investor Relations
Darren Jones, Senior Investor Relations Manager
Jon Earl, Investor Relations Manager
Tel:  [phone]



Tavistock Communications
Lulu Bridges / Sarah Landgrebe
Tel:  [phone]