Vodafone and dtac Sign Strategic Partnership

Vodafone and dtac, one of Thailand’s leading telecom operators, today jointly announced that they have signed a Partner Market agreement. The exclusive strategic partnership will help both companies to better serve the needs of their respective customers in Thailand.

Under the terms of this agreement, dtac will have exclusive access to Vodafone’s range of products, devices and services in Thailand and will be able to draw on Vodafone’s experience in supply chain management, technology development, the acquisition of enterprise customers as well as improved inter-working between networks.

As part of a phased roll-out, Vodafone will be able to use dtac’s network to offer seamless voice and data roaming for its customers visiting Thailand through the use of ‘home’ network capabilities. The two companies will cooperate to provide additional support to Vodafone Global Enterprise customers, many of whom have a presence in Thailand. In turn, Vodafone will provide dtac customers with improved voice and data roaming access across 67 countries.

Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Vodafone Partner Markets, commented: “Through this agreement with dtac, Vodafone will strengthen its presence and brand recognition across Asia and extend its product range to a key market. Mobile usage in Thailand is growing steadily and more of our customers require enhanced roaming services to and from the region.”

Underlining the benefits of the partnership, Tore Johnsen, CEO of dtac, said: “This partnership with Vodafone will enable our customers to benefit from joining one of the world’s leading international mobile networks, whilst maintaining the advantages of being a local operator, supporting our strategy to best serve Thailand’s population. This alliance will bring substantial benefits to our customers and shareholders, becoming a catalyst for expanding our service portfolio and improving our operational efficiency."

The addition of Thailand to its Partner Markets complements Vodafone’s strong Asian presence. Across Asia, Vodafone has Partner Market agreements in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, with additional equity investments in India, Australia, New Zealand, China and Fiji.

For further information:

Vodafone Group Plc

Media Relations
Telephone: +44 (0) 1635 664444
Investor Relations
Telephone: +44 (0) 1635 664447

dtac

Media Relations
Telephone: +66 8 16552173
Investor Relations
Telephone: +66 2 202 8882

Notes to Editors

About Vodafone
Vodafone is the world's leading international mobile telecommunications company, with equity interests in 27 countries and Partner Markets in more than 40 countries. As of 31 December 2008, Vodafone had approximately 289 million proportionate customers worldwide. For further information, please visit www.vodafone.com.

About dtac
Total Access Communication Public Company Limited, or ‘dtac’, is one of the leading mobile operators in Thailand with nearly 19 million subscribers. Founded in August 1989, dtac has since then played a leading role in the local mobile telecommunication market, gaining considerable brand presence and market share. It delivers high quality, excellent value and innovative mobile communications services to customers. For more information, please visit www.dtac.co.th/english