STOCKHOLM, Sweden, May 27, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The cities of Malmo and Lund are among the 28 municipalities in the Swedish province of Skane to sign an agreement today with Vodafone in Sweden concerning the joint procurement of mobile telephony services. The agreement covers approximately 20,000 subscriptions and runs for a three-year period that may be extended on expiry.
Vodafone already had agreements with 18 municipalities in Skane and these have now been re-negotiated. Today's deal means that Vodafone now supplies mobile telephony services to 29 of Skane's 33 municipalities.
"This is an excellent agreement for our municipalities in Skane. Besides greatly cutting costs, it also gives the municipalities and their employees access to top-quality mobile telephony services. Together with Vodafone, we can also look forward to the next few years that will see the rapid expansion of the third generation of mobile telephony," said Sven-Erik Johansson at the Scania Association of Local Authorities.
"We are delighted with this vote of confidence. The municipalities' joint procurement strategy has been a great success for all concerned. The price is attractive, and the municipalities gain access to a very broad service offering," said Jon Risfelt, President and CEO of Vodafone in Sweden.
The 28 municipalities will all be able to connect directly to Vodafone's switchboard, giving them access to a greater number of services and cheaper calls from mobile to fixed telephones.
Parts of the municipality of Landskrona and the city of Malmo have also signed agreements for Vodafone's Wireless Office, which makes it possible for a single wireless solution to replace all fixed telephony at workplaces, while retaining its functions. Other municipalities have signed option agreements for the Wireless Office.
Today's agreement means that Vodafone will be investing several million Swedish kronor in expanding the mobile telephony network to improve coverage in the municipalities of Skane.
Today's deal includes the following municipalities: Bjuv, Bromolla, Burlov, Bastad, Hassleholm, Hoganas, Horby, Hoor, Klippan, Kristianstad, Kavlinge, Landskrona, Lomma, Lund, Malmo, Osby, Perstorp, Simrishamn, Sjobo, Staffanstorp, Svalov, Svedala, Tomelilla, Vellinge, Ystad, Astorp, Ostra Goinge and Orkelljunga.
For more information, please contact: Sven-Erik Johansson, Scania Association of Local Authorities Telephone: +46 709 71 99 11 Anders Sjoholm, Commercial Director, Corporate and Telematics, Vodafone Telephone: +46 708 33 10 22, e-mail: anders.sjoholm@vodafone.se Johan Holmgren, Director of Public Relations, Vodafone Telephone: +46 708 33 14 00, e-mail: johan.holmgren@vodafone.se
Vodafone is the world's largest mobile network and is represented in 28 countries on 5 continents. It has more than 200 million mobile telecoms users. Our services enhance the efficiency of companies' operations and make it simpler and more fun for people to communicate. Vodafone is represented in Sweden by Europolitan Holdings AB and its subsidiaries, Vodafone Sverige AB and Vodafone Stores AB. Europolitan Holdings AB is listed on Attract 40 on the Stockholm Stock Exchange's O list. The majority shareholder is Vodafone Group Plc, which owns 71 per cent of the shares, while private shareholders, investment companies and pension funds own the remaining 29 per cent. Read more at www.vodafone.se and www.vodafone.com.
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