Vodafone Netherlands acquires The Network Factory

Extension of Vodafone’s services for Enterprise market with ’fixed’

Maastricht, 9 November 2006 - Vodafone Netherlands today announces the acquisition of The Network Factory (TNF). Vodafone and TNF will join forces to offer integrated broadband services for voice and data communication on mobile and fixed networks to the Enterprise market. With this acquisition Vodafone can significantly extend its offering to business customers and strengthen its market position. The acquisition is a logical next step in a range of strategic decisions by Vodafone Netherlands, underlining its strong position in the enterprise market and fits seamlessly into the company’s Mobile Plus strategy.

In January this year, Vodafone Netherlands formed a dedicated business unit for the Enterprise market as well as the Consumer market. Focus on customers’ needs and relevant services has since then increased significantly. This has resulted in some major achievements for the enterprise market this year. E.g. the introduction of Vodafone Wireless Office in which mobile phones increasingly substitute fixed phone functionalities, the continuous expansion of our PDA and mobile email portfolio, streamlining data roaming tariffs, the introduction of UMTS broadband (HSDPA), investments of EUR 240 million in network quality and coverage, are all examples underlining Vodafone’s leading position in the enterprise market.

Acquisition TNF will offer fixed and mobile to Vodafone customers
The strategic acquisition of TNF is a logical next step for Vodafone Netherlands in its strategy to fulfill customers’ total communication needs. This so called Mobile Plus strategy has ’mobile’ as its core offering, whilst adding fixed voice and data communication where needed. In this way Vodafone can deliver on customers’ growing desire for one strategic partner in managing their total communication needs.

By taking over TNF, Vodafone can now offer business customers fully managed IP network solutions by using broadband technology. The roll out and managing of company networks, including secure internet access and coupling home and mobile workers is the core business of TNF. TNF will continue as a separate business unit within Vodafone Libertel N.V. and will operate under its own name.

Jeroen Hoencamp, Director Enterprise Business Unit Vodafone Netherlands: “TNF is one of the fastest growing specialists in managed services for company networks, with an excellent reputation in the market. We are pleased that we can now integrate the expertise and services of TNF into our existing range of services. With this we underline our leading position and it enables us to offer a total communication offering as strategic partner in both mobile as fixed line communication.”

Jack Smits, Director of The Network Factory B.V.: “The market not only asks for integration of voice and data, but also integration of mobile and fixed line communication. Currently, TNF is primarily active in the field of data communication. We were eager to work with a partner that not only offers voice, but is able to instantly integrate voice and data for both fixed as mobile and make this step with us. The combination with Vodafone offers TNF a unique position in the market, with Vodafone being complementary to our own field of expertise.”

About Vodafone Libertel N.V.:
Vodafone is one of the largest mobile telecommunications companies in the Netherlands and is part of the worldwide Vodafone Group, the world’s leading telecommunications company for mobile telephony with almost 187 million customers on five continents. The Vodafone Group has holdings in the share capital of mobile operators in 27 countries and collaborative arrangements with partner networks in 33 countries.

About The Network Factory B.V.
TNF was founded in 2001 and offers fully managed IP network solutions by using broadband technology. The roll out and managing of company networks, including secure internet access and coupling home and mobile workers is its core business. TNF uses the ITIL methodology to streamline all delivery, service and management processes. It is one of the few companies in the Netherlands certified to offer PIN-payments via its broadband network.

Contact Information

André van der Elsen

Manager Public Relations

Vodafone Netherlands

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