MTC is the leading mobile operator in Kuwait, with more than 600,000 customers. Under the terms of the agreement:

• Vodafone and MTC will co-operate in developing products and services to international travellers and domestic customers
• Vodafone and MTC will co-operate in the acquisition of multinational accounts
• MTC will completely replace its existing MTC brand with a dual MTC-Vodafone brand
• MTC will market Vodafone's international products using the existing Vodafone product names

The principal benefits to Vodafone are:

• Further expansion of Vodafone's global products and services offering into the Middle East
• Introduction of the Vodafone brand into a second country in the Middle East
• Increase of inbound roaming on Vodafone networks

As a Partner Network, MTC will offer Vodafone and its Partners' customers seamless access to Vodafone's international products while travelling in Kuwait. The re-branding of MTC, into MTC-Vodafone, will ensure that these customers identify MTC as a trusted Vodafone partner, increasing the recognition of the Vodafone brand in the Middle East. MTC customers will enjoy the benefits of Vodafone's existing services and its innovative product pipeline, enabling easy access and service delivery.

Thomas Geitner, Chief Executive, Global Products and Services, Vodafone said:

"The agreement with MTC is our first partner agreement in the Middle East. With a first class network and an outstanding position in the corporate market, MTC is an excellent partner to have on board. This is a significant step in the development of the Vodafone brand as MTC will be completely re-branding to MTC-Vodafone, clearly demonstrating the attractiveness of the Vodafone brand to new territories.

"The co-operation opens new sources of revenue for both Vodafone and MTC. The signing of this third partner agreement demonstrates Vodafone's attraction as a global mobile leader and innovator."

For further information contact:

Vodafone Group Plc
Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Melissa Stimpson, Director of Group Investor Relations
Bobby Leach, Head of Group Financial Media Relations
Jon Earl, Senior Group Communications Manager
Janine Young, Group Communications Manager
Tel:  +44 (0) 1635 673310

Tavistock Communications
Lulu Bridges / John West
Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7600 2288 

MTC facts:

• Founded in 1983 and was the first operator to open a GSM network in Kuwait
• 600K customers - 50% contract
• Dominant position in the corporate market with 84% market share
• Revenue of US$ 440m in 2001