Düsseldorf, 16 November. 2007. Vodafone is the first mobile communications provider in Germany to launch a wireless modem for PCs and notebooks in the form of a practical USB stick. Customers can use the USB stick modem in the Vodafone network for ultra-fast mobile data downloads at speeds of up to 7.2 MB/s – and it's also the key to speed when they want to send large files and e-mails. It features HSUPA, so it supports theoretical upload speeds of up to 1.45 MB/s. The stick is now available at the price of one euro in connection with a 24-month data contract.
The Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Stick is simply inserted in a Windows PC or notebook USB slot. There is no need to install software. A simple program gives the user access to the mobile internet. Internet access with the USB stick is also extremely simple. It has a button for connecting up to the Internet and a display showing connection status and signal strength. The stick supports Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000 operating systems - and it can also be used on a Mac if the special software that comes with the stick is installed. The USB stick comes with software, documentation, a monitor clip and an optional cable. It's very easy to install and operate.
Vodafone customers with a data services contract can get the USB stick for as little as one euro. This price applies if they conclude a Vodafone Business-DataPro8 hardware contract with a monthly basic rate of EUR 9.52 and a minimum 24-month term, and if they book one of the tariff options at the same time. Without a Vodafone card contract, the Mobile Connect USB Stick costs EUR 399.90.
The Mobile Connect USB Stick uses Vodafone Germany's high-speed UMTS broadband network, which enables data transfer rates of up to 7.2 MB/s. UMTS broadband is already available in over 2200 German towns and cities.
The entire UMTS broadband network will also have HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) by the end of next summer. Outside the regions with 3G broadband coverage, the USB stick uses normal 3G or EDGE and GPRS connections for data transmissions in the Vodafone network.
If you have any queries on this topic, please contact:
Heiko Witzke, External Communications, T: +49 211 533-5699
Press hotline: +49 211 533-5500
Vodafone Germany is one of the largest and most modern telecommunications providers in Europe. It serves over 32 million customers, realises turnover of more than EUR 8 billion and has 9,000 employees. Vodafone Germany is an innovative technology and service enterprise, offering a comprehensive range of mobile communication services from one provider. The portfolio includes mobile communications and fixed network telephony, as well as data services for business and private customers. Continuous development, numerous patents and investments in new products, services and the modern network have made Vodafone an innovation leader in the German telecommunications market. The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf. Eight branch offices and a chain of 1600 Vodafone shops keep us close to our customers. The Vodafone Germany group of companies also includes a majority shareholding in the Arcor telecommunications group, which is headquartered in Eschborn, Germany. Vodafone Germany is committed to CSR and it additionally supports numerous projects through the German Vodafone Foundation.
The company is part of the Vodafone Group. Visit the website at www.vodafone.de for further information.