Vodafone Italy Secures New Spectrum

RNS Number : 2923P

Vodafone Group Plc

30 September 2011

 



30 September 2011

VODAFONE ITALY SECURES SPECTRUM TO DELIVER NEW SERVICES FOR CUSTOMERS

Vodafone Italy has been awarded a total of 60 MHz (2x30 MHz) of new spectrum in the Italian government's auction, enabling the Company to provide its customers with enhanced mobile internet services across the country, including in rural areas.

The spectrum award will support Vodafone Italy's plans to develop the next generation of wireless data services using Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology.  LTE transforms the customer experience of the mobile internet, offering high-speed data access and rich multimedia services. In developing LTE services, Vodafone Italy will draw on the experience of Vodafone Germany, which launched LTE towards the end of 2010.

Vodafone Italy bid successfully for a total of 20 MHz (2x10 MHz) in the 800 MHz band, 10 MHz (2x5MHz) in the 1.8 GHz band, and 30 MHz (2x15MHz) in the 2.6 GHz band for a total consideration of €1,260 million (£1,096 million).  The 800 MHz 'digital dividend' spectrum will become available in January 2013 after the local television stations have freed it up.  The 1.8 GHz band will become available by the end of 2011 and the 2.6 GHz spectrum band will become available by the end of 2012.

The additional spectrum and ongoing network investments will enable Vodafone Italy to build on its success in delivering mobile internet services to its customers.  Over the last financial year, Vodafone Italy saw strong growth in the uptake of smartphones and mobile internet services, helping to boost mobile data revenue growth by around 22%.

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For further information:

Vodafone Group

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About Vodafone

Vodafone is one of the world's largest mobile communications companies by revenue with approximately 382 million customers in its controlled and jointly controlled markets as at 30 June 2011. Vodafone currently has equity interests in over 30 countries across five continents and more than 40 partner networks worldwide.  For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com

 

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