Stmnt re Optus Limited

Vodafone Group PLC
26 March 2001



Announcement dated 25th March 2001

VODAFONE WITHDRAWS FROM OPTUS SALE PROCESS


Vodafone Group Plc ('Vodafone') announces that its subsidiary Vodafone Pacific
Limited ('Vodafone Pacific') has withdrawn from the Cable and Wireless Optus
Limited sale process. Vodafone Pacific has reached the conclusion that it would
be unable to conclude a transaction that would be in the best interests of its
shareholders.

For further information:

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

Lulu Bridges/John West
Tavistock Communications
Tel: [phone]