Available today 21st November 2006: the eagerly anticipated Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem from just £49 ex VAT.  This new version of the 3G broadband data card, designed especially for users of the latest generation of laptops and Apple® MacBooks™, allows customers to access 3G broadband by simply plugging it into the USB slot on their Computer.

Kyle Whitehill, Director of Vodafone UK’s Enterprise Business Unit, comments, 'Following our first to market launch of 3G broadband services in June this year, this device is a direct response to demand from users of the latest generation of laptops, who’d also like to be using 3G broadband.” Kyle concluded, 'The new, easy to install, Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem, ensures that all Vodafone customers, regardless of their choice of computer, are able to access 3G broadband services. '

Sunny Suri, trialist, Publisher for Movie Mag International and Managing Director of Public Relations UK, comments: 'As a magazine publisher, I have to meet critical deadlines all the time. I’m mostly out of the office. Relying on wireless hotspots or connection points in cafes is frustrating. Often I need to use an internet connection and the hotel room one isn’t working. This way, there’s no problem - you just plug in and get on. It really simplifies working away from the office.”

The Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem offers download speeds of around 1.4Mbps and joins an extensive 3G broadband product range; including the award-winning 3G data card, built-in laptop technology and the 3G broadband wireless router. Vodafone boasts the largest 3G data card market share, the fastest 3G network for downloads* and continues its intensive 3G broadband rollout programme. Having already made the service available to all major cities and towns across the UK the footprint is expanding every week and all 3G areas will be upgraded to 3G broadband by summer 2007.

The service is also available in a number of other countries worldwide including Australia, Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. When outside of 3G broadband coverage, customers will automatically be able to access the web using Vodafone’s existing 3G and GPRS services.

Simple to Install: For Windows users the Mobile Connect software is pre-loaded onto the device and self-installs the first time the device is connected. For Apple® MacBooks™ users, the software can be found on a CD provided with the device or for newer MacBooks with Intel™ processors the software can be download at www.vodafone.co.uk/mobileconnect.  The newVodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem is powered by the laptop (or PC) with no need for a separate power cable and is suitable for both Windows users and Apple Mac users.

-ends-

Notes to Editors:

 

Available online from today and through selected Vodafone business stores from Wednesday 22nd November.

*Independent research commissioned by Vodafone conducted in October 2006 resulted in an average measured speed of 1080Kbps compared to the second best performing network at 869Kbps.  Tests were conducted on five 3G networks.   The results are based on over 6,000 measured downloads of a 2MB file at independently selected locations across Central London.

 

For more infomation and pricing go to www.vodafone.co.uk/mobileconnect

* Subject to fair usage 1GB

** Subject to exchange rates

About Vodafone UK

Vodafone UK has 16.2 million customers and is part of the world’s leading international mobile telecommunications Group, offering a wide range of voice and data communications. The company is committed to providing mobile solutions that allow both consumer and business customers to make the most of now. In addition, Vodafone connects customers across the globe with roaming agreements worldwide. It provides 3G roaming in 29 countries and offers great roaming value with Vodafone Passport. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk.

For further information please contact:

Lucy Rich/Bryony Clow                                             

Vodafone Group Media Relations - Vodafone UK                                                                 

Tel: 0845 4444466

email: press.office@vodafone.com

VODAFONE, the Vodafone logos and Vodafone Mobile Connect are trade marks of the Vodafone Group.  Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trade marks of their respective owners.