www.vodafone.com.au

Vodafone Australia today announced that it will commence planning for the initial deployment of a 3G network in Australia as a Vodafone only initiative, with launch still targeted for 2005.

The world's leading mobile communications company will be investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Australia over the next two years, developing a globally compatible 3G network, which will enable Vodafone customers to get faster, enhanced mobile services.

Grahame Maher, Managing Director of Vodafone Australia, said Vodafone has been a strong advocate of 3G network partnering in Australia and over the past several months the company has been involved in detailed discussions with a number of mobile operators, with the intention of reaching a partnering agreement.

However, due to the fact that none of the other operators were prepared to keep up with the speed of the company's proposed roll out, Vodafone has decided to commence planning for the initial deployment of a 3G network in Australia alone.

Grahame said, "Despite our will to enter into a network partnering agreement, at this stage we are not satisfied that this approach would meet the collective needs of our customers, our shareholders, the broader community, or our business. 3G is the future for Vodafone and quite simply we need to get going.

"The door will however be kept open for other operators to join us in the future, although no firm commitment has been made at this point," he said.

The strategy adopted by Vodafone will allow its customers to enjoy the continued experience of Vodafone's national 2.5G network, which will be enhanced in 2005 with a 3G experience.

Vodafone's commitment to the enabling of 3G services will also build on the success achieved by Vodafone's global services including Vodafone live! and business services from Vodafone, which have proven to meet a clear need for customer demand.