Next to China Mobile, Vodafone Mobile is the largest mobile telecommunications company in the world today. This global company has more than 200 million customers in up to 25 countries. As of 2007, its estimated market value reaches up to £100 billion. With equity interests in more than 25 countries worldwide, Vodafone Mobile has also established strong links with partner networks in up to 39 countries.

Vodafone, a global group of companies, is a mobile network operator based in United Kingdom. However, business and network expansion also included main branches and key offices in Middle East, Africa, America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia.

As a leading provider of voice and data services, Vodafone got its name as a shortened version of “voice data fone.” Vodafone Mobile has numerous acquisitions and mergers that helped strengthen its global presence. Despite some of its reported downturns, Vodafone continues to operate profitably with head offices in Australia and other countries.

History

Vodafone was established since 1985 after Racal Strategic Radio Ltd. acquired a license for a cellular telephone network in 1982. Racal had a majority ownership of 80%, while Millicom and the Hambros Technology Trust both own the remaining share. In 1986, Vodafone became fully-owned by Racal Electronics after the remaining shares were bought out at £110 million.

In 1991, Racal Telecom became known as Vodafone Group after it demerged from Racal Electronics. New mergers and acquisitions then took place as the company continues to expand its network services. Since then, Vodafone Mobile services became more prominent in other markets, including Australia and other parts of the Pacific region. It was in 1999 that Vodafone finally tied up with Bell Atlantic Corp in US. The completed merger in 2000 established Verizon Wireless as a joint venture. To date, Vodafone is among the leading mobile network providers in the world.

Vodafone in Australia

As the Vodafone group continues to expand and explore new business boundaries, the Vodafone mobile network in Australia was launched in October of 1993. After more than 10 years of innovative service to the local Australian market, 3G technology was finally introduced in October, 2005. Vodafone Australia continues to bring the best network service and the latest features in mobile technology. It also holds sponsorship for different sports events in the country, including the Australian Football League.