Vodafone Netherlands today announces to offer fixed telephony to enterprise customers. In addition to mobile telephony and mobile internet, enterprise customers can obtain fixed telephony services from Vodafone from the second half of 2008. In order to make this possible, an agreement was signed with technology partner Ericsson. This agreement enables Vodafone to offer a 'one-stop-shop' for companies’ total communication needs.
Jeroen Hoencamp, Director Enterprise Business Unit, Vodafone Netherlands: "The trend in the market is currently that companies want to have their ICT services supplied by one party. And that it understandable, since it will make it easier to integrate and align mobile telephony, fixed telephony and data services. Vodafone has a proven track record with respect to mobile telephony, fixed internet and corporate networks. Customers increasingly ask us whether we can provide them with fixed telephony as well. This is a logical step for us to take, so we can be a reliable partner for our clients’ total communication needs."
Present technology enables integrating voice and data services, which makes communication easier and more efficient. However, companies obtaining mobile telephony, fixed telephony and internet from one provider will have more benefits. They will receive only one bill, deal with one support department and sign one contract, which can result in cost reductions. On top of that, they no longer have to worry about management and security. Also, implementing and integrating additional IP services, such as email, document sharing and video conferencing to increase productivity, will become easier.
Vodafone’s decision to offer fixed telephony is in line with Vodafone’s international strategy. By placing ‘mobile’ centrally and offering the possibility to add or integrate fixed telephony and internet, Vodafone seeks to fulfill clients’ total communication needs. The first step Vodafone Netherlands took in this respect was the acquisition of The Network Factory (TNF) in November 2006. TNF has years of experience with company networks and internet connections for the professional market.
With this announcement, Vodafone targets companies with 50 employees or more. The product is expected to be available from the second half of 2008. Vodafone indicates that, in addition to the introduction of this product, more announcements related to fixed telephony will follow.
About Vodafone Libertel B.V.:
Vodafone is one of the largest mobile communications companies in the Netherlands and is part of the Vodafone Group, the world’s leading international communications group with equity interests in 25 countries across 5 continents and 252 million proportionate customers at the end of September 2007, as well as 39 partner networks.