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Vodafone Netherlands Strengthens Number One 3G UMTS position

10th November , 2004

Europe : Vodafone Netherlands strengthens its number one position in the next generation mobile services by launching
new UMTS handsets and services on Vodafone live!, Vodafone's successful consumer service. As of tomorrow Vodafone customers can choose from the largest range of UMTS handsets and the best and broadest choice in exclusive content. Customers also benefit from the largest UMTS network coverage and a new approach to pricing, offering them even greater value.

Vodafone's launch today in the Netherlands is part of the global launch of Vodafone live! with UMTS across an unprecedented 13 countries in Europe, and Japan. Today's announcement underlines Vodafone's leading and innovative position in the Netherlands and follows the successful launch of the Vodafone Mobile Connect UMTS/GPRS datacard for the laptop and the first UMTS consumer service for early adopters earlier this year.

Tomas Isaksson, CEO Vodafone Netherlands: 'Today is an important day for Vodafone Netherlands and its customers as we launch the next generation of consumer mobile services. Vodafone live! with UMTS will dramatically change the way our customers experience their Vodafone services.

The transformation in service experience combined with Vodafone's new, easier to understand pricing will encourage greater service adoption and usage by customers'.

Vodafone customers can now view over 20 different TV channels with the latest film trailers, video and music clips, live TV and news and entertainment on their mobile phone. And choose from thousands of ring-tones, real-tones and Welcome Tunes, play the latest 3D games and make video calls on high quality UMTS handsets. All against very attractive and transparent time and event based tariffs.

TV on your mobile

Vodafone offers a broad variety of new services via Vodafone live! with UMTS. With a UMTS handset Vodafone customers can now also choose from TV programmes like NOS Journaal, RTL Nieuws and live breaking news via CNN.
Improved content also includes Ruud de Wild's Video Clip Top 5, latest clips from MTV, 'Movie of the Month' providing customers with trailers and behind the scenes footage from blockbusters such as the latest Bridget Jones film. On sports, Vodafone enables customers to choose from various sports moments like the goals scored by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Vodafone has exclusive content deals with Warner Bros (Looney Tunes), MTV, Disney, Maxim, Sony Music, Manchester United, UEFA Champions League and Ferrari. In music Vodafone customers are offered Welcome Tunes and
master record ringtones and dance events like Dance Valley Winter can be watched live on the UMTS mobile phone. With UMTS Vodafone takes mobile gaming to the next level by introducing exciting 3D games such Ferrari Experience 3 and Beach Mini Golf.

7 UMTS handsets

To meet its customers' demands Vodafone Netherlands will offer 5 new UMTS handsets on top of its 2 existing handsets. These handsets will be available in the Vodafone stores during the coming weeks in the run up for Christmas. The portfolio includes the Sharp 902, Motorola V980, Sony
Ericsson V800, Nokia 6630, Samsung Z107, Samsung Z105 and SonyEricsson Z1010. The handsets have been customised for Vodafone to ensure the best UMTS experience with Vodafone live! on the market.

Time and event based pricing

Vodafone has also created a new, easier to understand pricing structure. It is designed to encourage usage and to ensure customers receive simpler bills. Downloads will be charged on an event basis and browsing will be free. Customers will no longer be charged for 'shopping around' while they look for the service they want to purchase. Customers will be offered promotional bundles to encourage greater usage and adoption of Vodafone services.

UMTS coverage 60%

With over 60% population coverage Vodafone offers the largest UMTS network availability in the Netherlands and an optimum geographical spread connecting larger cities, industrial estates, motorways and railways in the Netherlands. Moreover, Vodafone is unique in offering its customers detailed information on UMTS coverage at a specific location or area, based on postal codes. A simple phone call to our Customer Service, available 24 hours 7 days a week, will do. Outside the UMTS coverage area the UMTS handsets and the UMTS datacard automatically switch to the Vodafone GPRS network offering full coverage throughout the Netherlands.

Roaming in 13 countries

Vodafone customers can use the UMTS services both for business and consumer purposes in another 13 countries, in Europe and Japan. Customers can roam on the Vodafone UMTS networks in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Japan. Customers can also roam on the UMTS networks of Vodafone partners in Belgium, France, Switzerland and Austria.

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