Vodafone today announces that it has signed a Partner Network Agreement with Bite GSM ("Bite") in Lithuania. Bite is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDC Mobile International and is the company's second subsidiary to join the Vodafone Mobile Community following the agreement signed with TDC Mobil A/S ("TDC Mobil"), Denmark's leading mobile operator, in December 2001.
Bite, the second largest full scale mobile, data and internet service provider in Lithuania, will market Vodafone's international mobile services using the existing Vodafone service names. Under the terms of the agreement Vodafone and Bite will co-operate in developing products and services to international travellers and domestic customers. The principal benefits to Vodafone are further expansion of Vodafone's global products and services to its customers as well as further leverage of the Vodafone brand.
As a Partner Network, Bite will offer Vodafone and its Partners' customers seamless access to Vodafone's international mobile services while travelling in Lithuania. Bite customers will enjoy the benefits of Vodafone's roaming services across its global footprint.
Peter Bamford, Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone said:
"Our tie-up with Bite is another step towards bringing our customers the key benefits of the Vodafone brand and services throughout Europe. The signing of this Partner Network agreement opens new sources of revenue for both Vodafone and Bite, and demonstrates Vodafone's attraction as a global mobile leader and innovator."
Following today's announcement, Vodafone's portfolio of global services, supported by its global brand communication, will be available in nine Partner Network countries: Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Kuwait, Lithuania and Slovenia, in addition to its subsidiary and associate markets.
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
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310
Tavistock Communications
Lulu Bridges
Justin Griffiths
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7600 2288
Bite GSM facts
- Service launched 1995
- 476K customers Q1, 2003
- 6.2 million EBITDA Q1, 2003
- Revenues of 26.4 million Q1, 2003